ICYMI: Health minister on coronavirus, Canadians win big at Culinary Olympics, and more

Here are five stories you might have missed in food news this week

The Culinary Olympics took place last week in Germany, and Canadian chefs stood their ground against a total of 6,000 entries from around 60 different countries to bring home numerous medals. While Canada fell just short of winning first place overall, the achievements of the teams and individual competitors has helped Canada retain its international reputation for culinary exellence.   

At a press conference this week in Ottawa, Canada’s Health Minister encouraged Canadians to stockpile food and medication as a method of preparing for the potential of a coronavirus crisis. The minister added that washing hands, getting flu shots, and staying home when sick were also standard precautions for any potential crisis.

Finally, in the general meeting of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau announced that over $500,000 is being allocated to develop a new Canadian Agri-Food Sustainability Initiative. The funds will help to create a forum for the federation’s nearly 200,000 producers and processors to connect and track the sustainability of the Canadian agri-food industry compared to international standards. 

Here are five stories you might have missed in food news this week.

Canada’s Health Minister advises preparedness

Canada’s Health Minister is advising Canadians to stockpile food and medication in their homes in case they or someone close to them should become infected with coronavirus. The Health Minister cited that things can change quickly and that preparedness is the best policy. She also suggested that Canadians do their part to aid the health care system by staying home if they’re sick, washing their hands, and getting flu shots.

Head to the National Post for more. 

Canadian teams bring home several medals from 2020 Culinary Olympics

The IKA Culinary Olympics took place last week in Stuttgart, Germany, and Canadian teams and individuals have returned home with a number of medals. Notable medalists include Agriculture Culinary Team Manitoba and Culinary Team BC, who both won silver medals, and the Okanagan’s Tina Tang, who took home a bronze medal in the pastry art competition.

Check out Restobiz for the full list of winners.

Federal investment to develop Canadian Agri-Food Sustainability Initiative

The Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister announced at a meeting of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture that an investment of $562,870 will be used to develop a new sustainability initiative. The investment, which will be disbursed over three years, will help to create a forum for producers and processors to connect and track the sustainability of the Canadian agri-food industry compared to international standards.

Find out more at Food in Canada

Wendy's introduces pea-based protein patty

This week, Wendy’s introduced a new plant-based burger to its menus across Canada. Although the fast food chain is arguably late to the meatless movement, it is interesting to note that the pea-based protein patty was developed by Wendy’s, rather than Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods.

Visit Daily Hive for more. 

Two B.C. seafood companies recall Pacific oysters

In the span of one week, both Sawmill Bay Shellfish Co. and Union Bay Seafood have recalled their brands of Pacific oysters. Both recalls come after investigations by the CFIA, which led to concerns over potential norovirus infection. There have been reported illnesses associated with both brands. The oysters were reportedly sold in B.C., Alberta, and Manitoba.

Get the full story at Richmond News