The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) consulted with Canadians from November to December 2020 on proposed updates to the guidelines for industry on simulated meat and simulated poultry products as well as new guidelines for certain other plant-based protein foods.
The proposed guidelines outline the rules for labelling, advertising, composition and fortification for such products. The guidance is intended to clarify for Canada’s food industry what constitutes simulated meat or poultry products. Clearer guidelines will better support industry in their understanding and application of the regulatory requirements and will provide consumers with the information they need to make informed buying decisions.
There are 3 different categories of foods:
- meat and poultry products (referred to as category 1)
- simulated meat and poultry products (referred to as category 2)
- other similar products but that do not substitute for meat or poultry (referred to as category 3)
Learn more on the proposed guidelines based on outcome of the consultation.
The CFIA expects to publish the final guidelines for simulated meat and poultry in the fall of 2021. The CFIA has also updated Health Canada on requests to review the simulated meat and poultry regulations and will share specific comments related to the regulations set by that Department, including those related to fortification and nutrition labelling.
There is no intent to change the regulations at this time. The existing guidelines describe the regulatory requirements for simulated meat and poultry products, which are products that are represented as having the physical and nutritive characteristics of meat or poultry.
Additional resources and information
- News release: Government of Canada launches consultation on guidelines for simulated meat and poultry products
- Labelling requirements for meat and poultry products: Simulated meat and simulated poultry products (Existing guidelines)
- Proposed guidelines for simulated meat and simulated poultry products
- General information on simulated meat and simulated poultry products
Contact usFor inquiries email: cfia.labellingconsultation-etiquetage.acia@canada.ca