Archived - Creation Foods Company fined $25,000.00 for offence under the Food and Drugs Act
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July 5, 2017, Ottawa: Information identified as archived is provided for reference, research or record-keeping purposes. It is not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards and has not been altered or updated since it was archived. Please contact us to request a format other than those available.
On June 22, 2017, in the Ontario Court of Justice in Newmarket, ON, Creation Foods Company of Woodbridge, Ontario pled guilty to and was convicted on two counts of contravening section 31(1) of the Food and Drugs Act and was ordered to pay total fines of $25,000.00.
Section 31(1) of the Food and Drugs Act states that:
Every person who contravenes any provision of this Act or the regulations, as it relates to food, is guilty of an offence and liable:
(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding $50,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to both; or
(b) on conviction by indictment, to a fine not exceeding $250,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or to both.
Section B.01.049 of the Food and Drug Regulations states that no person shall use, in labelling, packaging, advertising or selling, a food that does not meet the requirements of the kashruth applicable to it, the word "kosher" or any letters of the Hebrew alphabet or any other word, expression, depiction, sign, symbol, mark, device or other representation that indicates or that is likely to create an impression that the food is kosher.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) investigation determined that the company sold a non-kosher food product to two Jewish youth camps, by means of a forged kosher certificate. The cheese sold to both camps did not meet the requirements of the kashruth.
This is the first case in Canada brought before a provincial court related to the misrepresentation of a kosher food product. The fine is significant and may lead to improved future compliance under this statute. This case, and the conviction, reinforces the CFIA's commitment to food safety, and demonstrates how the Agency takes issues related to food fraud seriously. Investigation and legal action will be taken, when warranted.
The CFIA is responsible for the administration and enforcement of federal legislation, acts and regulations, including the Food and Drugs Act. The CFIA is dedicated to safeguarding food, animal, and plant health, which enhances the health and well-being of Canada's people, environment, and economy.
Media Inquiries:
CFIA Media Relations
613-773-6600
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