CFIA redefines local food
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How do you define ‘local food’?
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), recently expanded the definition of ‘local food’ to include food that is produced in the same province where it is sold or food that is sold across provincial borders but within 50 kilometers of the originating province or territory.
For example, tomatoes that are grown in Leamington, and sold in Timmins, are now considered local, and asparagus that is grown in Ottawa but sold in Wakefield, Quebec would also be considered local food.
The new interim policy for local food was introduced by the CFIA in early May and was brought about because many considered the old definition too restrictive and outdated. In place since 1998, it defined ‘local food’ as food produced within 50 km of where it was sold.
“Agriculturally across Canada we’ve been focused for a long time, on what food we can export as a nation and that’s tended to dominate the conversation,” said Bryan Gilvesy, local farmer and co-chair for Sustain Ontario. “At least we’re opening the door to look at these possibilities.”
The CFIA will consider several factors and areas over the next few weeks regarding the definition of ‘local food’. In addition, they will conduct a review of food labelling regulations, guidelines and policies, including the use of the word ‘local’. The interim policy is in effect from May 10, 2013 until the labelling review is complete.
“They’re trying to modernize that and update it so the consumer is not confused,” said Gilvesy. “The consultation (being held) to try and define what local food is, is a start.”
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is currently holding an online consultation process to gather feedback and public opinion about what Canadians think should be considered ‘local food’, among other things with regards to food labelling. People can participate by completing an online questionnaire entitled the Food Labelling Modernization Initiative.
Gilvesy noted that the consultation process, as with any undertaking, may take some time to complete but is an important first step.
“The fact of the matter is people who eat (local) are driving this movement. For people in a rural community, where we’ve got every opportunity to feed that market place, it’s a very exciting possibility,” he added.
“It’s one step - there’s many steps along the way. These types of changes don’t happen overnight but it’s nice to see that they’re recognizing that this is where this is coming from.”
The initiative will focus on four key areas pertaining to the food labelling system. They include a) roles, responsibilities, and partnerships, b) regulations, c) policy and program development and d) service delivery
In Canada, responsibility for food labelling at the federal level is shared between Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
According to the CFIA website, there are several reasons for the food labelling review. Consumers today want to be better informed about the foods they purchase and eat, while the food industry is stepping up to respond to market pressures and global trends in food. The federal government also wants to stay up to date with regulations, policies, and approaches when it comes to food labelling.
“I hope that when they say the words food industry that they include people that are small scale farming and feeding people through their local markets. There’s so many ways that food can get to the consumer these days and it’s high time that they looked at it to modernize the regulations,” said Gilvesy.
“It’s great news that they’re responding to consumer demand.”
For more information or to participate in the online questionnaire, visit www.inspection.gc.ca