This week's food news offered a mixed bag of controversy, hardship, and culinary contributions from notable Canadians.
In Montréal, a controversial social media campaign citing charges of homophobia against Pastel restaurant made the news after four men were kicked out for allegedly sexually harassing a server. Canada’s new healthy eating strategy was also a source of controversy, as many believe heavy lobbying by industry leaders has inhibited the strategy’s key initiatives.
The issues of rising food costs and food insecurity have been an ongoing source of hardship in Canada. However, many Canadians have risen to the challenge with innovative solutions to stretch their dollars and limit food waste--including some of Canada’s top chefs.
Lastly, Toronto-based Agri-Neo Inc. recently received recognition for its new organic food-safety solution, designed to increase the safety and viability of food for longer periods of time.
Here are six stories you might have missed in food news this week.
Old Montréal restaurant faces allegations of homophobia
Old Montréal restaurant Pastel was in the news this week after four men were kicked out for allegedly sexually harassing a server. The server claims one of the four men made comments toward him that were aggressive and sexually suggestive. The men, however, maintain that their comments never crossed the line and one has since taken to social media in an attempt to both clear the party’s name and to seemingly besmirch Pastel for having a culture of homophobia.
Head to Eater for the full story.
Root vegetable prices continue to rise
The cost of vegetables in Canada are on the rise as of late, mainly due to unprecedented poor weather conditions during last year’s harvest season. Since February, the price of carrots has gone up by $0.61 per kilogram, onions have increased by $0.51 per kilogram, and the price of potatoes has gone up by just under a dollar per kilogram.
Read more about this concerning trend at Global News.
Canada struggling to implement healthy eating strategy
After the bill to limit advertising of unhealthy food to children was squashed last month, many remained optimistic about Canada’s new healthy eating strategy. Now, another key component of the strategy appears destined for the same fate, as the proposed new rules requiring symbols to identify high salt, sugar or saturated fat on the front of packaging is facing similar industry resistance.
Find out more at CBC News.
Canadian chefs offer tips to reduce food waste
Food waste is an ongoing problem in Canada and since the Avoidable Crisis of Food Waste report came out in January, we’ve seen some great initiatives implemented by Canadians to address it. Recently a group of acclaimed chefs--including Top Chef Canada winner Paul Moran--gave some helpful tips on how to reduce food waste in the kitchen.
Check out the chefs’ tips at the Globe and Mail.
Toronto food safety company receives $570,000 from FedDev Ontario
Agri-Neo Inc. recently received recognition and a monetary contribution from FedDev Ontario for its innovative organic food-safety solution that eliminates harmful pathogens and unwanted microbes, keeping food safe for consumption for longer periods while still retaining their raw, organic qualities.
Find out more at Food in Canada.
Federal government commit up to $30 million toward food and drink processing industry
International Trade Diversification Minister Jim Carr announced this week that the federal government plans to support Canada’s food and drink processing industry to the tune of $30 million. The money will go toward the Canadian Food Innovators Network with the goal of creating more innovative, healthy, and sustainable food and beverage products for Canadians.
Get the full breakdown at CBC News.
