By Dori Modney with files from CFIA

Federal consultation begins on guidelines for simulated meat

Nov 5, 2020 | 7:03 PM

OTTAWA, ON. — It`s an industry that continues to grow in Canada but, is the plant-based food industry growing in the right direction for consumers?

Certainly the numbers behind industry indicate the need for more over-sight. A

t this point in time, 40 per cent Canada`s population actively incorporates more plant-based foods into their diets while national sales of plant-based protein products rose 7% to more than $1.5 billion in the 2016-2017 fiscal year.

As well, Canada is the leading producer and exporter of pulses (dry peas and lentils). The Food and Drug Regulations require simulated meat and simulated poultry products to be clearly represented as simulated, be clearly labelled as such, and meet specific requirements for composition and fortification.

The federal government wants to see clarity for both consumers and the industry on appropriate regulations. With that in mind, 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.

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Both industry and consumers are encouraged to submit their views by December 3, 2020. Currently, CFIA`s guidelines for simulated meat and poultry products apply to products that are made to resemble meat or poultry products. For example, plant-based burgers 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 has identified a need to update 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 new guidelines are expected to clarify what constitutes simulated meat or poultry products in accordance with the Food and Drug Regulations and Safe Food for Canadians Regulations.

Right now, the guidelines just outline rules for labelling, advertising, composition and fortification for such products.

Consumers are encouraged to complete an online survey, that will be shared with the CFIA, identify consumer familiarity with products and indicating what label information is important to them.

Perceptions of these foods will help the industry determine how to better position their products in a manner thats truthful and not misleading, while providing information to help with informed buying decisions.

Associated links for more information:

— Labelling requirements for meat and poultry products: Simulated meat and simulated poultry products (existing guidance)

— Plant-based protein market: global and Canadian market analysis lant-based protein market: global and Canadian market analysis