Pre-publication of proposed regulatory changes to Canada’s beer compositional standards

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is proposing to amend the beer compositional standards under the Food and Drug Regulations (FDR) and has published proposed regulatory changes in the Canada Gazette, Part I.

The proposed changes would modernize the current beer standard to remove duplication of the standard for ale, stout, porter and malt liquor, as it allows for the same ingredients as beer.  The amended FDR would make it clearer for brewers which ingredients could be used.  It would also allow industry to be more innovative in developing products to meet consumer interest in having more variety, such as flavoured beers, while maintaining the integrity of beer.

In addition to meeting consumer interest in having more variety of products, the proposed changes to the FDR also include labelling changes that would require brewers to identify food allergens, gluten sources or added sulphites for beer.

Consumers, industry and other stakeholders have 90 days to submit their comments to the CFIA.

For more information, please consult the following website.