The University of Ottawa released the results to an unprecedented study into the relationships between Health Canada and food and beverage industry stakeholders. While Health Canada was reportedly transparent throughout the study, the authors suggested that additional measures will be needed to fully understand the influence of food and beverage industry lobbyists on public health policies in Canada.
While we tune into the Super Bowl from Canada this Sunday, a game changer is happening behind the scenes. Never in its 54-year history has a female held the rank of executive chef for the host venue’s culinary operations... until now. Centreplate’s Dayanny De La Cruz takes the helm of Hard Rock Stadium’s 55 concession outlets, 167 suites and seven all-inclusive clubs this Sunday in Miami.
Here are five stories you might have missed in food news this week.
How lobbying strategies influence food and nutrition policies in Canada
Researchers from the faculty of medicine at the University of Ottawa recently released the results of a first-of-its-kind study that looked into the interactions between Health Canada and industry and non-industry stakeholders.
In addition to a number of unprecedented findings, the authors stated that the study “clearly demonstrates that the Canadian food and beverage industry is actively involved in direct lobbying of policymakers or civil servants working on various food and nutrition policies."
Head to Food in Canada for the full report.
Tim Hortons look for new ways to reframe Canadian brand identity
A meeting of Tim Hortons franchisees took place in Calgary this week to identify and address the company’s recent sales slump. During the meeting, corporate executives promised franchisees a directional shift that will see the chain reclaim its Canadian roots by elevating staple products like coffee and baked goods.
Find the full breakdown at BNN Bloomberg.
Marc Lepine breaks down this year’s Canadian Culinary Championships
The Canadian Culinary Championships take place this weekend in Ottawa and Ottawa Citizen spoke to two-time champion Marc Lepine to get his take on this year’s grand finale entrants. Lepine--the only Canadian to have won more than once--explained how the competition seems to get harder and more complex every year.
Read the full conversation at Ottawa Citizen.
Super Bowl’s first female executive chef
This Sunday, many Canadians will be tuning in to Super Bowl LIV in Miami. What they may not see, however, is that behind the scenes, for the first time in its 54-year history, a female chef will take the reigns of the venue’s culinary operations. Dominican Republic-born Dayanny De La Cruz--who currently serves as executive chef for the company who provides hospitality services for the Miami Dolphins--plans to showcase an array of healthy offerings that reflect her diversity.
Find out more at VenuesNow.
Alberta company wins gold at Canadian Whisky Awards
Alberta-based Great Plains Craft Spirits won a gold medal and the Award of Excellence for Best New Whisky at the Canadian Whisky Awards for its debut product, a Western Canadian 18-year-old whisky. Great Plains is currently pioneering the production of limited-run, custom-finished, ultra premium and luxury whiskies in Western Canada.
Head to Newswire for more.