Good morning! This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news regarding food and beverage manufacturing, processing, packaging, labelling, safety and inspections. Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Start Date: 2025-05-04
End Date: 2025-05-10

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Regulations Amending Egg Marketing Quotas Set for 2024–2025

The Government of Canada published amendments to the Canadian Egg Marketing Agency Quota Regulations, 1986 in the Canada Gazette, Part II on May 7, 2025. The amendments establish the number of dozens of eggs producers may market under both federal quotas (Schedule 1) and special temporary market requirement quotas (Schedule 1.1) for the period from December 29, 2024, to December 27, 2025. These regulatory adjustments provide updated quota allocations for egg producers, impacting production planning and supply management across the sector.

Sources: Canada Gazette, Part II: www.gazette.gc.ca, Canada Gazette, Part II: www.gazette.gc.ca

Surtax Remission Order Includes Infant and Nutrition Formulas

The United States Surtax Remission Order (2025), published in the Canada Gazette, Part II on May 7, 2025, lists specialized infant formulas, nutrition formulas, metabolic products, and human milk fortifiers as eligible for remission. The remission applies to a range of tariff classification numbers relevant to food and nutritional products. This order affects the import cost structure for these products sourced from the U.S.

Sources: Canada Gazette, Part II: www.gazette.gc.ca

CFIA Promotes International Day of Plant Health and Invasive Species Prevention

On May 9, 2025, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency announced its observance of the International Day of Plant Health, calling attention to the connection between plant, animal, and human health. The CFIA detailed ongoing efforts to minimize risks from invasive pests threatening crops, forests, and food production. The agency continues to utilize risk assessments, surveys, and inspections to prevent the spread of invasive species affecting the food supply chain.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Farm Product Prices and Crop Stocks Data Released for March 2025

Statistics Canada released new data on May 8 and 9, 2025, detailing monthly provincial farm product prices and stocks of principal field crops as of March 31, 2025. The reports indicate that wheat, canola, oats, corn, and barley stocks were all down compared to March 2024, while soybean stocks increased. The data sets provide detailed price and stock information for grains, oilseeds, specialty crops, and livestock products.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca, Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Tribunal Terminates Renewable Diesel Dumping and Subsidy Inquiry

On May 5, 2025, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal determined there was no reasonable indication that imports of renewable diesel from the United States have caused injury or threaten to cause injury to the domestic industry. As a result, the Tribunal terminated its preliminary injury inquiry and the Canada Border Services Agency will end its dumping and subsidizing investigations. The Tribunal's decision closes the file on potential anti-dumping or countervailing duties for U.S. renewable diesel imports.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Retail Food Prices for March 2025 Now Available

Statistics Canada published updated monthly average retail prices for selected products for March 2025, providing a reference for price trends across packaged and fresh foods.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Announcements

Ontario Expands Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit Amid U.S. Tariffs

The Ontario government announced on May 5, 2025, an additional $1.3 billion over three years for the Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit, increasing the rate from 10% to 15% and broadening eligibility to non-Canadian-controlled private corporations.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Sameer Zuberi Attends Food Security Fundraiser in West Island

MP Sameer Zuberi reported on May 6, 2025, his participation in Corbeille de Pain's Empty Bowls fundraiser, highlighting efforts to increase food security through weekly farmers’ markets in Montreal’s West Island.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Jean Yip Promotes McHappy Day in Scarborough

MP Jean Yip shared on May 8, 2025, her visit to multiple McDonald’s locations in Scarborough, encouraging support for McHappy Day, which raises funds for local health and children’s charities.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Don Davies References Funding for National School Nutrition Program

On May 8, 2025, MP Don Davies noted the allocation of $1 billion for a national school nutrition program, stating the New Democrats’ willingness to work with all jurisdictions on its implementation.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Robert Black Visits Dairy Distillery in Almonte

Senator Robert Black shared on May 6, 2025, his visit to Vodkow's Dairy Distillery in Almonte, observing the use of milk byproducts in spirit production.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator Patrick Brazeau Raises Alcohol Labeling in Media

Senator Patrick Brazeau referenced, on May 6, 2025, a mention in the British Medical Journal regarding alcohol labeling and health impacts.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• New study sheds light on health risks associated with ultra-processed foods: Canadian media covers research linking ultra-processed foods to increased health risks.
• McMaster University study links ultra-processed food to range of health risks: CBC reports on new findings from McMaster University connecting dietary patterns and health outcomes.
• Possible salmonella contamination leads to recall of coconut meat in prairie provinces: CTV reports on a recall due to potential salmonella contamination in coconut meat products.
• How a B.C.-based sustainable fishing advocate grocery shops: The Globe and Mail profiles a sustainable fishing advocate’s approach to food retail.