December 16, 2014 - Ottawa, ON - Canadian Food Inspection Agency
The Harper Government announced today that the Maple Products Regulations have been amended. These regulatory changes will help Canadian maple producers market and sell maple syrup in North America and around the world. The amended regulations will be published in Canada Gazette, Part II on December 31, 2014.
The changes 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 modernize 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".
A two-year implementation period will provide time for industry to meet the new requirements.
Quick Facts
Canadian producers are responsible for 84 per cent of world maple syrup production, with the United States responsible for 16 per cent.
These proposed amendments are based on recommendations from the International Maple Syrup Institute (IMSI) and feedback received during previous consultations with consumers and industry.
The IMSI is a voluntary organization representing the Canadian and American maple syrup industries. The Institute has been working and consulting for a decade on developing common grading standards for Canada and the United States.
The Government of Canada is committed to providing more information for consumers so they can make informed food choices.
Quotes
"Maple syrup is a national delicacy and an important driver of our economy. We are pleased that these amendments will better support Canada's maple producers by helping to facilitate trade and meet consumer demand."
Gerry Ritz
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
"Not only will these amendments provide maple producers greater freedom to market their products internationally, they will make it easier for Canadian consumers to purchase the syrup they prefer. The new grades and colour classes will help Canadians make more informed choices when shopping for our high quality maple syrup."
Nancy Greene Raine
Senator
"We welcome these changes to the regulations as they will ensure that our industry prospers now and in the future."
Yvon Poitras
President, International Maple Syrup Institute
Associated Links
Consultation on Regulations Amending the Maple Products Regulations
Contacts
Emily Hogeveen
Press Secretary
The Office of Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture
613-773-1059
Media Relations
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
613-773-6600
