The Government of Canada is proposing amendments to the Maple Products Regulations to set federal maple syrup standards that benefit consumers and industry.
The proposed changes would harmonize the definition and grading system in the United States and Canada, and give consumers more consistent and relevant information about different varieties of maple syrup.
The new standards would result in the modernization of the current grades and colour classes of maple syrup introducing new flavour descriptors that will help consumers make more informed choices when buying maple syrup. For example, four revised colour classes and new taste descriptors will categorize pure maple syrup on a scale ranging from "Golden Maple Syrup with a delicate taste" to "very Dark Maple Syrup with a strong taste".
The proposed amendments to the Maple Products Regulations will be published in Canada Gazette, Part I on June 28, 2014. The CFIA is seeking input from consumers and industry on the proposed changes during the 75-day comment period, ending on September 10, 2014.
To help the Canadian maple industry transition to any new regulations resulting from this process, the CFIA is recommending a two-year transition period. This would allow industry to gradually implement any new requirements.
