Canada revises regulations for produce grading and labelling

On October 8, 2025, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced amendments to the Health of Animals Regulations and the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR), published in the Canada Gazette, Part II. The changes, introduced as part of CFIA's Red Tape Reduction initiative, aim to reduce regulatory burden while maintaining food safety and consumer protection.

The authority to maintain fresh fruit and vegetable grade standards (other than onions, potatoes and apples) has been transferred from the CFIA to the Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation.

According to DRC president & CEO, Luc Mougeot, “The regulatory change related to fresh fruit and vegetable grade standards means these standards can be changed more quickly to meet the needs of the industry. This will encourage innovation, flexibility and competitiveness for the sector. Industry has encouraged and supported this change for some time and DRC welcomes the change and the opportunity to take on responsibility for maintaining certain grade standards.”