Do you own a small business in the food industry? If so, then you are one of the key stakeholders invited to provide feedback on a proposed new food labelling policy related to allergens. Currently, precautionary statements are voluntary and the wording of the statements can vary. The only requirement is that the statements be truthful, clear and non-ambiguous, and that they not be a substitute for good manufacturing practices.

Why get involved?

• to find out what Heath Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency are proposing as new procedures to warn consumers of possible allergens
• to provide your feedback on options
• to build or maintain a positive and collaborative relationship with Health Canada and other stakeholders
• to hear the perspectives of other stakeholders.

How to Get Involved There are two ways you can get involved in the Consultation on Precautionary Labelling of Food Allergens:

• You can go online, read the Consultation Workbook , and provide your feedback.
• You can send an e-mail stating that you wish to participate in a workshop. In that case, you may be chosen to represent your industry. (Since space is limited at the workshops, a selection process will ensure that key stakeholders are represented in appropriate proportions.)

Participate online - You have until February 10, 2010 to provide your feedback, using the online Consultations Workbook.

Participate in one of seven workshops - You may be chosen to attend one of the workshops that will be held in Halifax, Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, and Montreal from November 23rd to December 9th, 2009.

Find out more about the Consultation on Precautionary Labelling of Food Allergens and who to contact to be selected for a workshop http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/consultation/_allergen2009/index-eng.php.