au courant
A regular update on issues, events and activities.
Volume 12, No.4, 2008
Top Stories
Health Canada finds BPA safe for general public
On April 18, Health Minister Tony Clement and Environment Minister John Baird announced the findings of their risk assessment of bisphenol-A (BPA), which is being reviewed as part of the government's Chemical Management Plan. The announcement was a first step to reassure consumers and retailers about the safety of BPA for the general population in light of recent media reports questioning otherwise. The focus for Health Canada moving forward will be the safe use of BPA in products used by infants (less than 18 months old), with a particular emphasis on polycarbonate bottles. Canadian food and beverage manufacturers will work with the government moving forward to ensure our practices are aligned with any requirements to change how BPA is used in food, beverage and consumer products in this marketplace. For more information, contact Catherine Abel at 416-510-8024 ext 2228 or catherinea@fcpc.ca.
Food industry supports product safety legislation
The new product safety legislation, tabled on April 8, was applauded by FCPC and its member companies. Ensuring the safety of our products -- and thereby maintaining the confidence of consumers -- is our industry's single most important goal and the legislation's focus on risk-based inspection, accountability for importers and strengthening recall provisions for quick intervention when problems arise, would significantly improve Canada's ability to detect contaminated food and consumer products. "This legislation aims to level the playing field and ensure all companies are equally accountable for what they import and sell to consumers," said Nancy Croitoru, FCPC's President & CEO. Read FCPC's release. For more information, contact Blake Johnston at 613-232-7774 or blakej@fcpc.ca.
Unsaleables review moves ahead
Since the mid 1990s, the industry has worked jointly with our retail partners to develop and implement a plan to deal with unsaleable products. The benchmark and handling rate has not been updated since 2001; therefore, as an industry (manufacturers and retailers) it has been agreed to ensure this priority issue stays current and best practices continue by both manufacturers and retailers. FCPC and CCGD are striking a joint subcommittee to define the scope with a view to undertake benchmark and handling rate review. FCPC is looking for volunteers from member companies to participate on the committee. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Barb Tordoff at 416-510-8024 ext 2243 or barbt@fcpc.ca.
GMO Labelling Bill makes noise in Ottawa
Recently, a Private Members Bill (C-517) was tabled proposing mandatory labelling of food products containing GMOs, as well as a requirement for point of sale posters noting products as "genetically modified". The House is scheduled to vote on whether to defeat C-517 or refer it to the Health Committee for further study on Wednesday, May 7. FCPC has developed a coalition of interested stakeholders and is actively lobbying against the Bill. For more information - and to get your company involved - contact Blake Johnston at 613-232-7774 or blakej@fcpc.ca.
Foodservice Interchange newsletter, FSI Exchange, available online
For many years, the Foodservice Interchange (FSI) conference has been a key event in Canada's foodservice landscape. This year, FCPC has launched a newsletter (distributed in April, July and October) to help keep senior leaders connected with one another, with key insights and with news not only from current industry experts, but from those who stand to be among our valued leaders into the future. Inside our 2008/2009 issues you will find insights from research experts, proprietary insights into operators as well as thoughts from a number of academic and student representatives who are helping to shape the future of foodservice in Canada. To read the FSI Exchange click here (members only).
Welcome to FCPC
FCPC is pleased to welcome Shannon Cook, Vice President, Member Services, and Jim Goetz, Vice President, Provincial Affairs. Shannon comes to FCPC after several years in the industry – most recently she was at Kimberly-Clark where she was Customer Business Manager for Wal-Mart. Jim begins at FCPC on May 1 after a career in government at both the provincial and federal levels.
Upcoming Events
Perspectives on Canada Conference 2008 (May 15, 2008)
Employers face human resource challenges that are more complex than ever. How will these demographic shifts impact your organization? On May 15, join Statistics Canada's experts as well as leading analysts and social commentators to explore Canada's evolving labour market. Delegates will have the opportunity to participate in interactive panel dialogues with the experts and identify strategies to meet the challenges of Canada's workforce. For more information.
Dive into a Sea of Change at 2008 National Conference (May 24-26, 2008)
Online registration is now open for the 2008 National Conference, "Diving into a sea of change" to be held May 24-26. Join us in Victoria, BC for a truly remarkable experience and escape from the everyday world all within close proximity to the Conference's location. Visit the National Conference website to learn more about the exciting social and companion programs for this year's event. For more information, contact Devon Pool at dpool@ccgd.ca.
Executive Breakfast with Loblaw Companies Limited (June 13, 2008)
FCPC will be reviewing options for the Executive Breakfast with Loblaw, and will update the membership with a revised event plan when possible.
Data Integrity Event: your guide to "a single source of truth" (June 19, 2008)
GS1 Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors (CCGD) and FCPC, is pleased to announce the ECCnet Registry Trading Partner Seminar taking place Thursday, June 19, 2008 at The Old Mill Inn and Spa in Toronto. This half-day seminar is designed specifically for Senior Executives from Supplier and Retailer communities. It explores results from the ECCnet Registry Industry Audit to improve data accuracy; delivers the strategies and solutions undertaken to improve the quality of community data within ECCnet Registry; and discusses bottom-line benefits. Information & Registration.
Industry Stories
Save on gas with FCPC membership!
With current gas prices nearing record highs and forecasts for even further increases this summer, FCPC would like to remind our members that the Association has a partnership with Petro-Canada, in which our members are able to realize significant savings, convenience, control, and security when they use the Petro-Canada SuperPass* credit card. To learn more about the details, please click here.
GET STUFFED and support healthy active living
The Canadian Diabetes Association is partnering with Tapestry New Opera Works and Words in Motion to design and develop an opera for children that teaches the importance of healthy food choices. Get Stuffed is a one act, 45 minute opera for children in grades one through six and will premier this October at the CDA's National Conference in Montreal. The not-for-profit partners behind Get Stuffed are looking for corporate sponsorship of this entertaining, educational production that will be performed free of charge at schools across Ontario, and potentially across Canada. For more information, contact Jane Eisbrenner, VP Corporate Partnerships (416) 408-7021 or jane.eisbrenner@diabetes.ca.
Watson Wyatt conducts 2008/2009 Global Strategic Rewards Survey
To determine how companies around the world tackle talent and reward management issues, we are pleased to invite you to participate in this year's Watson Wyatt/WorldatWork Global Strategic Rewards(r) Survey. Last year, the global research revealed that two of three companies worldwide reported difficulty attracting top-performing workers, while a full 70 percent had difficulty attracting critical-skill employees. We also learned that more than half of companies had difficulty retaining top-performing (52 percent) and critical-skill (56 percent) workers. To participate, complete the survey online at http://www.watsonwyatt.com/gsr08 by Friday, May 16, 2008. All participants will receive a complimentary copy of the survey report. If you have any questions about the survey, please contact Anne Peiris at 416-813-4415 or by email at infocanada@watsonwyatt.com.
FCPC Submission
On April 1, 2008, FCPC submitted feedback on questions and issues raised in the document Managing Health Claims for Foods in Canada: Towards a Modernized Framework. To review the submission, please click here (members only).
On April 8, 2008, FCPC provided a written submission in support of our oral presentation to the Ontario Standing Committee on Social Policy. The submission illustrates how policy makers and industry can best encourage healthy eating amongst children and youth in Ontario and across the country. To review the submission, please click here (members only).
On April 15, 2008, FCPC presented comments to Honourable Peter Bjornson, Manitoba Minister of Education, Citizenship and Youth on Bill 2, The Public School Amendment Act (Trans fats and Nutrition). To review the submission, please click here (members only).
Welcome to FCPC
FCPC welcomes new member, Abbott Laboratories Ltd
FCPC is pleased to announce Abbott has joined the association. Abbot is behind some of the world's most trusted names in pediatric, adult, healthy living and performance nutrition products and has been a leader in helping babies grow and develop for more than 80 years.
FCPC also welcomes two new associate members: Tata Consultancy Services and All Stick Label Ltd. Tata Consultancy Services provides IT services, business solutions, and outsourcing that bring you a level of certainty that no other competitor can match. All Stick Label Ltd produces label and package identification solutions that help products get the attention they deserve.
Member News
Frito-Lay launches low sodium versions of top selling snack chips
Frito-Lay has launched Pinch of Salt, a low-sodium version of some of its brands: Lay's potato chips, Tostitos tortilla chips, Fritos corn chips and Ruffles potato chips. According to the company, the Pinch of Salt product line provides a low-sodium snack chip that contains 75 mg of sodium per one ounce of serving. Pinch of Salt products began to roll out in the US in mid-March. Read more.
Playtex will stop using BPA in all products this year
Playtex(R) Infant Care continues to address growing public confusion about plastics used in baby bottles containing bisphenol A (BPA), by announcing that the balance of the product line will be converted to BPA-free material by year end. In addition, the company will immediately suspend distribution to its Canadian retail partners of all Avance(R) and Cherubs(R) infant feeding bottles and the sip & discover(TM) 9 oz Spill-Proof "character" cup. Read the release.
Cadbury Schweppes shareholders approve spinoff of Snapple and Dr. Pepper business
On April 11, Shareholders in Cadbury Schweppes PLC voted overwhelmingly in favor of spinning off the candy company's North American beverage business, whose brands include Snapple and Dr Pepper. The business, to be called Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc., will be listed separately on May 7 on the New York Stock Exchange after a 99.75 per cent vote in favour of the plan. Read the article.