The most talked-about topic in Canadian food news this week was the repeal of China’s approximately four-month suspension of Canadian pork and beef imports. As Canada’s third largest export market for pork, China’s recent announcement has many Canadian producers optimistic about the future. The Chinese government, however, has made it clear that trade relations will not improve until Canada releases Meng Wanzhou, who was arrested in December 2018 at the behest of the United States government. China has yet to lift restrictions on other Canadian products such as canola, soybeans, and peas.
Maple Leaf Foods recently announced that they have become the first major food company in the world to achieve carbon-neutral status. Since 2015, the company has drastically reduced its emissions, and have even gone as far as to invest in environmental projects throughout Canada and the United States to help offset the emissions that are beyond its control.
And that is good news for the future of food because according to a safety professor at the University of Guelph, climate change is one of the main reasons for the increasing frequency of food-borne illnesses in Canada and around the world. Although precise numbers weren’t cited, the professor stated that things like warming weather, rising waters, and persistent storms all create an environment where harmful bacteria can flourish.
Here are five stories you might have missed in food news this week.
China to resume importing Canadian pork and beef
After months of deliberation and high tensions between China and Canada, China has announced that it will start accepting Candian shipments of pork and beef again. And while the development seems to indicate an improvement to Canada-China trade relations, a spokesperson for the Chinese government has stated that the relationship will only improve when Canada releases Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, who was detained in December 2018 at the request of the United States government.
Find the full story at CTV News.
Toronto’s Le Sélect Bistro speaks out against rising property taxes
Popular Toronto eatery Le Sélect Bistro recently created a video to highlight the negative effect of high property taxes within the city. Despite having a somewhat comical tone, the video brings to light the very serious issue of rising commercial property taxes that plague the industry across Canada. The restaurant’s owners have stated that property taxes have increased by 239 per cent since 2016.
Find the full story at CBC News and check out Le Sélect Bistro’s video on their Facebook page.
Climate change cited as a major cause of food-borne illnesses
A food safety professor at the University of Guelph says that climate change is fueling the increasing frequency of food-borne illnesses in Canada and around the world. Although precise numbers linking climate change to food-borne illness weren’t cited, the Guelph professor has tracked a growing number of examples that appear to link the two.
Check out CBC News for the whole story.
Maple Leaf Foods becomes carbon neutral
This week Maple Leaf Foods announced that after reducing emissions and investing in environmental projects, it has become fully carbon neutral. Since 2015, Maple Leaf Foods has reduced its electricity intensity by 24 per cent, water intensity by 16 per cent, solid waste intensity by 22 per cent, and greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 14 per cent. The company believes it is the first major food company in the world to achieve carbon-neutral status.
Head to Global News for more.
Kid Food Nation Contest announce 26 winners from across Canada
The Kid Food Nation recipe contest asks young cooks from across the country to submit original, healthy recipes that highlight their culture or Canadian pride. The competition recently revealed the 26 winning cooks who represent every province and two territories in Canada. The winners will now be flown to the Kid Food Nation gala in Toronto, where they’ll get a chance to showcase their recipes, meet notable Canadian guests, and celebrate their love for healthy eating.
Get the full breakdown at Newswire.
