Retailers welcome federal government's Food and Drug Act Amendments

TORONTO, May 1, 2012 /CNW/ - Retail Council of Canada (RCC) fully supports the federal government's amendments to the Food and Drug Act. These amendments will reduce delays and red tape while maintaining the highest level of food safety in Canada.

"Grocery retailers applaud the government's effort to streamline regulations," said Dave Wilkes, Senior Vice President, RCC. "We appreciate that the Minister of Health has responded to our calls to modernize these regulations."

On April 26, 2012 the federal government introduced Bill C-38, which contains key amendments to the Food and Drug Act to streamline the regulatory process for innovative products that Health Canada has deemed safe.  The amendments provide new tools to allow Health Canada to respond quickly in a rapidly-changing scientific environment.

As an example, in the past, Health Canada would have to seek a regulatory amendment each time a new use was requested for a food additive that the department had already deemed to be safe; this process could take years.  Now, the same process will take a matter of just a few months allowing industry to keep pace with growing and changing demands from consumers.

"Our members welcome these changes - they will modernize certain aspects of the Food and Drug Act," said Wilkes. "They also demonstrate the government's ongoing commitment to do away with red tape."

About Retail Council of Canada:

Retail Council of Canada (www.retailcouncil.org) is the Voice of Retail. Founded in 1963, RCC is a not-for-profit association which represents more than 45,000 stores of all retail formats, including department, grocery, independent merchants, regional and national specialty chains, and online merchants. We speak for an industry that touches the daily lives of Canadians in every corner of the country - by providing jobs, career opportunities, and by investing in communities. RCC is a strong advocate for retailing in Canada and works with all levels of government and other stakeholders to support employment growth and career opportunities in retail, to promote and sustain retail investments in communities from coast-to-coast, and to enhance consumer choice and industry competitiveness.

Sally Ritchie
VP Communications and Marketing, RCC
416 922-0553 ext. 228
1 888-373-8245 ext. 229
416 574-2552 (Mobile)
[email protected]