Prompted by changes in the global food supply chain, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in late 2011 began a systematic review of its regulatory framework for food safety. The agency also has authority over food labeling and health claims, but these regulations are not included in the review.

CFIA divided the project into three parts, reflecting its business lines: food, animal and plant. Sections of the review stretch out over a 10-year timeframe, but food is scheduled for action within the next three years. Specifics are described by the agency at its website, www.inspection.gc.ca.

Also, legislation pending in Canada’s Parliament would consolidate the country’s food safety regulation laws to strengthen CFIA’s oversight of food commodities. The Food and Drugs Act, which CFIA also enforces, would continue to exist separately.