Canadian Beverage Association Supports the Government's Amendments to the Food and Drugs Act

Changes will streamline the approval process for new ingredients and additives while continuing to protect Canadian food safety

TORONTO, April 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Canada's beverage industry welcomes the news that Health Canada plans to implement changes to the current Food and Drugs Act with the introduction of new tools that will streamline the regulatory process while continuing to ensure the safety of the Canadian food supply. 

The Canadian Beverage Association believes that the new "Marketing Authorizations" and "Incorporation by Reference" tools will prove beneficial to Health Canada, the public, and the beverage industry. They will provide Health Canada with the ability to respond more rapidly to changing technology and nutritional science and to respond in a more timely manner.  The changes will enable industry to introduce new and innovative products that utilize newly-available food technology more efficiently. 

"Streamlining the approval process for new ingredients and additives is a very proactive move by Health Canada," said Justin Sherwood, President, Canadian Beverage Association. "It helps to safeguard the competitiveness of Canadian beverage companies by ensuring they can bring forward new innovative products that consumers want in a timely manner." 

The industry looks forward to working with Health Canada to ensure a smooth introduction of the new tools and feels that, as long as the foundations are science-based, it will be a positive move for consumers.

The Canadian Beverage Associations is the national trade association representing the broad spectrum of brands and companies that manufacture and distribute the majority of non-alcoholic liquid refreshment beverages consumed in Canada. 

SOURCE Canadian Beverage Association