Friday, September 6, 2013

Organic Food in Canada

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

 

 
The Canada Organic Regime is the Government of Canada's response to requests by the organic sector and consumers to develop a regulated system for agricultural products.

 
The Organic Products Regulations (the Regulations) define specific requirements for organic products to be labeled organic or to bear the agricultural legend (logo).  The regulations became effective on June 30, 2009. 
 

Why Regulate Organic Products?

 
To clarify its purpose, the Agency explains itself:
 
The Canadian Organic Regime has been developed to:
 
  • Protect consumers against misleading or deceptive labeling practices
  • Reduce consumer confusion about the definition of organic
  • Facilitate the access of Canadian organic products to foreign markets that require regulatory oversight
  • Support further development of the domestic market
 

How do I recognize an organic product?

 
The answer to Canadians is:
 
 
  • Only products with organic content that is greater than or equal to 95% may be labeled "Organic" or bear the organic logo.
 
  • Multi-ingredient products with 70-95% organic content may have the declaration "Contains x% organic ingredients."  These products may not use the organic logo and/or claim "Organic"
 
  • Multi-ingredient products with less than 70% organic content may only contain organic claims in the product's ingredient list.  These products may not use the organic logo.
 
  • Certified organic products must also bear the name of the certification body that has certified them as organic
 

Who certifies?

 

Organic products sold within the province of origin are subject to provincial organic regulations, the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Regulations and the Food and Drug Regulations.  The provinces of Quebec and British Columbia have organic certification systems in place, while other provinces are considering the development of their own systems.  The website provides a list of accredited certification bodies.

 

 

As in all countries, the adage applies:

 

Buyer Beware!

 
 
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