Last week we reported on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) sudden suspension and investigation into Ryding-Regency Meat Packers.
This week, the Toronto-based beef slaughter and processing plant issued a national recall of veal and beef products due to possible E.coli contamination. The recall is just one of many E.coli, listeria, and salmonella-related recalls that occurred in Canada this week.
A 60-hour long hunger strike at the northeast Calgary CFIA office was just one of two major animal rights protests that occurred in Alberta this week. The Calgary protest was part of a global movement aimed to bring attention to the need for an animal bill of rights.
In Okotoks, Premier Jason Kenney was on site at the Jumbo Valley Hutterite Colony where a seemingly hostile occupation recently occurred to issue a statement that the government plans to prosecute any individuals or organizations that partake in similar activities.
Here are six stories you might have missed in food news this week.
Calgary protesters take part in global hunger strike
A group of animal rights supporters partook in a 60-hour long hunger strike outside of a Calgary CFIA this week in an attempt to bring attention to the need for an animal bill of rights. The group has stated that they believe animals do not have appropriate legal protections and want to see their rights upheld. Conjoining protests took place at 14 other locations around the globe.
Get the full story at CTV News.
Alberta government to crack down on farm protests
A rural crime town hall meeting took place in Okotoks this week after dozens of animal rights activists occupied the turkey barns at the Jumbo Valley Hutterite Colony in southern Alberta. Premier Jason Kenney was on site at the Jumbo Valley farm Thursday, and said the government plans to “lay down the law” to ward off future protests of this nature.
Find the full story at The Star.
Ryding-Regency Meat Packers issues major recall
Last week, we reported on the CFIA’s sudden suspension and investigation into Canada’s largest kosher meat plant, Ryding-Regency Meat Packers. This week, the Toronto-based beef slaughter and processing plant has issued a national recall of beef and veal products produced on May 27 and 28 due to possible E.coli contamination.
Find out more at CTV News.
Meat recalls becoming an issue in Canada
In addition to the major recall by Ryding-Regency, Canada saw roughly a dozen other meat recalls this week across the country. The reasons cited for the series of recalls included possible E.coli, listeria, and salmonella contaminations. The CFIA is urging consumers who may have purchased recalled meat to dispose of it immediately.
Find the full story on Narcity and keep up to date on recalled products at Canada.ca.
The Canadian Health Food Association says CBD should be treated as a natural health product
In response to a statement from Health Canada in June that hemp-derived CBD products would be treated as a cannabis health product and legal only through regulated marijuana retailers without a prescription, the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) recently issued a statement of their own that argued for CBD to be classified as a natural health product. The CHFA cited that the imposition of regulations would only fuel the growing illicit market for CBD health products.
Head to Hemp Industry Daily for more.
Regulations around vegan labeling evolving slowly
Vegan advocates across the country are calling for a standardized labelling system for vegan products. Currently, there is no legal requirement to label products as suitable for vegans or vegetarians. Alcoholic products like beer, wine, and whisky aren’t required to list ingredients on their labels at all, which can potentially leave vegan consumers in the dark when it comes to choosing food and beverages that conform to their diet.
Find the full story at CBC News.
