The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has launched a public consultation to seek feedback on the proposed guidelines for simulated meat and simulated poultry products. The consultation opened for a 30-day period from November 3, 2020 and closes on December 3, 2020.
The CFIA’s current guidelines for simulated meat and simulated poultry products apply to products that are made to resemble meat or poultry products. An example of such products are plant-based burgers that are made to look like a beef burger by using ingredients that simulate the red color or fat marbling effect of animal-sourced meat. The Agency also recognizes there is a need to update the guidelines to include food products that are plant-based proteins which are not intended to resemble or substitute a meat or poultry product. Examples include properly identified tofu burgers, lentil loaves or soy patties.