Regulations Amending the Food and Drug Regulations (Halal food)

1. The Food and Drug Regulations

A person must not use, in labelling, packaging, advertising or selling a food, the word “halal” — or any letters of the Arabic alphabet or any other word, expression, depiction, sign, symbol, mark, device or other representation that indicates or that is likely to create an impression that the food is halal — unless the name of the person or body that certified the food as halal is indicated on the label or package or in the advertisement or sale.

COMING INTO FORCE

2. These Regulations come into force two years after the day on which they are registered.

REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS STATEMENT

Most prepackaged foods are required by regulation to carry a label with prescribed information. The label is an important and direct means of communicating product information between buyers and sellers. It is one of the primary means by which consumers differentiate between individual foods and brands to make informed purchasing decisions. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s Guide to Food Labelling and Advertising provides guidance regarding food labelling and advertising requirements, including guidance on the use of statements and claims applied to food labels. It is therefore a tool to assist industry in complying with applicable legislation and consumer protection. Food claims which adhere to these guidelines are considered to comply with the provisions set out in subsection 5(1) of the Food and Drugs Act (FDA) and section 7 of the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act (CPLA). Subsection 5(1) of the FDA prohibits the labelling, packaging, treating, processing, selling or advertising of any food (at all levels of trade) in a manner that is false, misleading or deceptive to consumers. Section 7 of the CPLA contains provisions regarding the prevention of fraud and provides for mandatory label information with which consumers can make informed choices. These pieces of legislation allow the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to investigate complaints about false or misleading labels and to take appropriate action to bring about national compliance.

Halal claims for food sold in Canada are also subject to the labelling requirements of the FDA and the CPLA and their respective regulations. According to the Codex Alimentarius, the term “halal” means permitted under Islamic law. (see footnote 2) The halal label on a food item would therefore suggest that the food item is permitted under Islamic law. However, there are various interpretations of Islamic law which makes reaching a consensus amongst Canadian Muslims as to what constitutes halal difficult to achieve.

The market for halal food products in Canada is estimated at $1 billion, catering to a consumer base dominated by Canada’s Muslim community (estimated at 1 million in 2006). At an annual growth rate of 13%, this population is expected to triple by 2031, accounting for 6.6% of Canada’s population. Consumer demand for halal food products is therefore expected to increase as well. Increasing demand for halal food products is accompanied by an increase in the number of businesses venturing into the halal food market as well as the number of products marketed as halal, as businesses aim to benefit from this thriving industry.

Objectives

This regulatory amendment will assist in properly informing Canadians when choosing halal labelled foods by requiring that halal claims on food labels, packaging or advertising material are accompanied by an indication of the body that certified it as such.

Description

This amendment to the Food and Drug Regulations will add a specific reference to halal so that a halal claim on a food label, or package or in advertising material, is accompanied by the name of the person or body that certified the food as halal.

This regulatory amendment will not modify food safety requirements for foods labelled as halal. However, letting consumers know who certified the food as halal will enhance the information available to them in order to make informed choices. It will be up to the consumer to determine whether or not the certification requirements meet their expectations with regard to halal. The CFIA will not establish standards or requirements for what can be labelled as halal, nor will it establish requirements for becoming a certifying body.

Rationale

Halal food consumers have expressed concerns about how difficult it is to make informed purchase decisions without knowing the standard used in certifying a food product as halal. Stakeholders want a more proactive approach that will assist in alleviating this situation. Government intervention in this matter is required to ensure consistent, accurate and appropriate label information on halal food so that consumers can make informed food choices.

Source: https://canadagazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2014/2014-04-23/html/sor-dors76-eng.

Halal Market In Canada Is Expanding Fast

Canada’s halal market is now worth $ 1 billion annually and the prospects are looking promising enough for the local beef producers to become compliant suppliers for the Muslim consumers in the area.

For Alberta’s Department of Agriculture, halal economic opportunities have become a major focus in the last years, informs Edmonton Journal.

Alberta beef industry provides almost 75% of the nation’s steaks and now it is a good time to invest in a niche market, like halal, as long as it seems to be expanding at a fast pace, consider Grant Winton, head of Asia, Middle East and Africa international relations division in Alberta’s Department of Agriculture.

Last year, two information sessions to outline halal opportunities gathered around 100 local producers interest to obtain a compliance certificate. “Alberta producers and processors are business people who want to sell their product. They are eager to access this market”, said Winton.

For now, the biggest hurdle seems to be the cost of getting a halal-compliant business according to all the requirements of the Islamic law. It also has to apply to Alberta regulations for halal plants. The first exclusive halal slaughterhouse in the region was opened last year nearby Edmonton. Alberta Bros. Meat Packers is processing beef, elk, goat, lamb and bison and the associates want to obtain the federal plant certification in order to export some of their products. 25 years ago, in Edmonton, there were only two halal butchers. Now there are 25 of them. Halal products are seen in the supermarkets and there are new halal restaurants opening in the city, Imad Kaddoura, chairman of Awqaf Foundation explained.

“Whenever there’s a huge demand for certain products or industry, suppliers step in to satisfy that demand. If Alberta embraces this – and they will – then… you have a booming industry”, predicts Kaddoura.

(Source: https://euromeatnews.com/Article-Halal-market-in-Canada-is-expanding-fast/793)

Halal Investing In Canada

Many mainstream investments are forbidden because they contradict Islamic or Sharia Law. For observant Muslims the desire to save for retirement and plan for financial goals is still present but these goals need to be met using different products and strategies. Halal investing bridges this gap.

In recent years, many financial companies in Canada have started offering Sharia-compliant products and portfolio options. This is significant, as these Sharia-compliant products and accounts help the more than one million Muslims living and working in Canada.

What Is Halal Investing?

Halal simply means “permissible,” so halal investing means “permissible investing.” Some observant Muslims prefer to invest in a way that does not contradict their ethical or religious values, as laid out in Sharia Law.

Halal investing ethics include:

-No receiving interest: You cannot receive interest from fixed-income investments and you also can’t invest in a business whose main profit comes from interest, such as a bank.

-No highly speculative stocks: This rules out buying stocks that are highly leveraged, day trading, short-selling, options, futures and other complex and risky investment techniques that could be considered gambling.

-Sharing in profit and loss: Investors cannot simply lend money to a business (like with bonds); they must also be part-owners and exposed to business risks (as is the case with stocks).

-Cannot profit off activities forbidden by Sharia Law: This includes companies whose core business include alcohol, tobacco, gambling, pork and weapons.

The principles are subject to nuanced interpretation. Not all Islamic scholars agree on the specifics, making it difficult to construct a DIY halal portfolio. Instead, many Muslims rely on large, independent organizations advised by Islamic scholars who review companies and investments to ensure they are in line with Sharia.

(Source: https://money.ca/investing/halal-investing-in-canada)

Halal Recipe of the Month: Creamy Pasta with Roasted Vegetables

In this recipe you can start from scratch with a fresh batch of uncooked pasta, but if you have any leftover cooked pasta of any type, this is a great way to bring it back to life and give it a whole new flavor than it had the day before.

Ingredients:

1 pound package penne pasta, cooked, 1 pound roasted tomatoes (should be seasoned during roasting), 1/2 pound roasted zucchini squash (should be    seasoned during roasting), 2-4 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons capers, 3 cloves garlic, crushed.

Method:

If you don’t have them already, roast the tomatoes (directions here) and the squash (much like this) separately. Let cool.

If you have uncooked pasta, follow the directions according to package instructions and once finished, drain the pasta. Add some olive oil and let cool. Set aside.

Meanwhile, chop the tomatoes and squash roughly, keeping the chunks as large or as small as you like.

In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil on medium-low heat. Add the cooked pasta, roasted veggies, capers and crushed garlic. Mix thoroughly and allow everything to heat up evenly but not to fry (keeping the heat minimal).

Pour in the heavy cream, 2 tablespoons at a time, until you reach the desired creaminess. Do not let the mixture boil, but if it does, remove from heat immediately. Mix and stir the cream as you add it in, then remove from heat and serve at once. Top with freshly chopped basil, if you have it.

(Source:https://myhalalkitchen.com)

CERTIFIED COMPANIES

At Food Plus More, our story is a vibrant tapestry woven from rich family traditions and unwavering values. It all began in 1990 when our family opened a cozy restaurant serving delicious donairs, subs, and burgers. Our father, a culinary artist, perfected his donair recipe, and its popularity soared. Soon, we began selling our donair to other local restaurants, which inspired us to transition from the bustling restaurant scene to the specialized world of meat processing. We’ve grown into a thriving meat processing business that supplies the food industry throughout North America. The heart of our journey is our commitment to quality and innovation, ensuring every product we create honors our family’s legacy.

Today, we operate from a state-of-the-art 27,000 sq. ft. facility in Welland, Ontario, just across the border from the Niagara Falls. This modern space allows us to meet the growing demands of our customers while maintaining the high standards that define our brand. Our strict adherence to government regulations and halal practices ensures that every product meets the highest standards of purity, quality, and ethical integrity.

We’re deeply committed to offering halal products, which ensures not only ethical treatment but also numerous health benefits. This dedication to purity, quality, and integrity is at the core of everything we do.

Food Plus More has obtained IFANCC halal certification for some of their products. For more information, please visit their website: www.foodplusmore.com

Montpak International is proud to associate itself with livestock suppliers that have been family-run operations for many generations. They are experts in their field and passionate about what they do and committed to providing a safe, clean and healthy environment designed to produce high quality veal and lamb products in an ethical and humane manner. They understand that a clean environment along with a nutritious diet and tender care will produce healthy animals. In turn those animals produce a better food product. Montpak International veal and lamb products have become a menu favourite with chefs and consumers around the world.

Our producers take advantage of modern technology and equipment to help provide a safe environment for animals and protect the natural environment as well. They also employ waste management systems and best farming practices that not only maintain good animal health but also prevent degradation of water, soil and air quality, thus protecting public health and the environment for future generations.

Excellent care and humane treatment of our animals is a fundamental responsibility for Montpak International and our livestock partners. Accountability, responsibility, continuous improvement, and thorough ongoing monitoring remain at the helm of our animal welfare programs.

Montpak International supplies a full range of veal and lamb products, including Halal products, to food retailers, food service distributors, and further processors in Canada and international markets.

Montpak International has obtained IFANCC halal certification for some of their products. For more information, please visit their website: http://www.montpak.ca/en/