Let’s celebrate! Ground beef exempt from FOP labelling

Health Canada has announced the finalized Front-of-Package (FOP) regulations, as part of the Government of Canada’s Healthy Eating Strategy, with an exemption for ground beef. Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) would like to acknowledge those who spoke up in support of our industry, to bring attention to the lack of consistency in the initial proposed regulations.

Thank you to the Alberta government, producers and consumers for showing their support of Alberta’s beef industry. Premier Jason Kenney and Ministers Nate Horner and Jason Copping deserve a special acknowledgement of gratitude for their significant efforts to bring this issue to the forefront.

Prior to today’s announcement, Health Canada’s proposed FOP regulations had a requirement for ground beef sold at retail to carry a “high in” saturated fat warning label, while other single ingredient foods were exempt.

Ground beef is an affordable, nutritious and versatile protein, and a staple food for most Canadians. Almost 50 percent of beef consumed by more than 90 percent of Canadians is ground beef. Alberta’s beef industry is a main economic driver, employing over 55,000 full-time workers and contributing over $4 billion to the provincial GDP.

We hope Albertans will join us in celebration with some burgers on the barbeque this long weekend!

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Background:

Here’s what’s up with ground beef labelling in Canada

Alberta government supports exemption to front-of-package labelling for ground beef

Cattle farmers and ranchers concerned with Health Canada’s proposed front-of-package warning label for ground beef

Alberta’s beef industry calls for labelling exemption on ground beef