The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is seeking industry and consumer input as it prepares to update current guidelines for products designed to resemble meat or poultry products that do not contain protein from animals.
The agency said it “recognizes a need” to update guidelines to include plant-based proteins such as tofu burgers, lentil loaves and soy patties.
The updated regulations will cover “product labeling, advertising, composition and fortification” of these products, the agency said.
Consumers will have until Dec. 3 to participate in an online survey to offer their perspectives on familiarity with non-animal protein products as well as which type of labeling information is important to meet their needs.
More than 40% per cent of Canadian consumers say they are actively trying to incorporate more plant-based foods into their diets, with annual sales increasing by seven per cent to more than $1.5 billion between 2016 and 2017.
