The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is reminding industry that effective December 13, 2016, the amendments to the Maple Products Regulations published in Canada Gazette, Part II on December 31, 2014 are in force following a two year phase-in period.
The amendments standardize different grades and colour classes of maple syrup and take steps to create a harmonized definition and grading system between the United States and Canada. They also require mandatory production codes or lot numbers on labels of maple syrup.
The changes do not impact food safety regulations or food safety monitoring for pure maple syrup. The introduction of mandatory production codes and/or lot numbers to maple syrup will make it easier to track and remove products from the market if necessary.