FILE – In this June 27, 2019, file photo a meatless burger patty called Beyond Burger made by Beyond Meat is displayed at a grocery store in Richmond, Va.(Steve Helber, File/AP Photo)

By Troy Gillard

What’s in a name?

Ottawa launches consultation on guidelines for simulated meat and poultry products

Nov 5, 2020 | 4:00 PM

OTTAWA – As Canada’s plant-based food industry grows, the federal government says it is working to provide greater clarity for industry and consumers on the regulations that apply to these products.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has launched a consultation on proposed updates to guidelines for industry on simulated meat, simulated poultry products and certain plant-based protein foods. They are encouraging industry and consumers to submit their views by December 3.

The CFIA’s current guidelines for simulated meat and simulated poultry products apply to products that are made to resemble meat or poultry products – such as plant-based burgers that are made to look like a beef burger by using ingredients that simulate the red colour or fat marbling effect of animal-sourced meat.

The agency says it also recognizes a need to update the guidelines to include food products that are plant-based proteins which are not intended to resemble or substitute a meat or poultry product – such as tofu burgers, lentil loaves or soy patties.

The proposed updates to the guidelines seek to clarify what constitutes simulated meat or poultry products in accordance with the Food and Drug Regulations and Safe Food for Canadians Regulations. The guidelines outline the rules for labelling, advertising, composition and fortification for such products. Clearer guidelines will better support industry in their understanding and application of the regulatory requirements.

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“The growth in Canada’s plant-based foods industry indicates the need for clearer guidelines to better support industry in their understanding and application of regulatory requirements. We’re working to bring that clarity which includes a better understanding of consumers’ views and needs to allow them to make more informed food choices,” said Agriculture and Agri-food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau.

Statistics cited by the government show that more than 40% of the Canadian population is actively trying to incorporate more plant-based foods into their diets, and that sales of plant-based protein products across the country rose 7% to more than $1.5 billion in the 2016-2017 fiscal year.