Introduction
In Canada, there are prescribed units of measurement for certain foods. These are outlined in the document Units of Measurement for the Net Quantity Declaration of Certain Foods.
Following a request from the Fresh Produce Alliance, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) proposed changes to these requirements. Specifically, the CFIA proposed to allow for the use of numerical count for the net quantity declaration on non-retail containers (such as crates, cases, master cartons, and shipping containers) of fresh fruits or vegetables.
Currently, the net quantity on most non-retail containers of fresh produce can be declared by only weight or volume. The proposed change would increase flexibility to declare the net quantity for these foods by either weight, volume, or numerical count.
The consultation was open for comments from May 28 to June 26, 2024.
This report summarizes the feedback received and the next steps for finalizing changes to the document.
Who we heard from
The CFIA received 2 feedback submissions: 1 from a consumer; and a joint submission representing 2 associations and 1 not-for-profit organization. The CFIA did not receive comments from trading partners.
What we heard
Overall, respondents welcomed the opportunity to provide feedback and expressed their support of the CFIA's efforts to change the Units of Measurement for the Net Quantity Declaration of Certain Foods for fresh fruits or vegetables packaged in non-retail containers.
General support
Respondents specifically supported the proposed change to amend Table 1 – Units of measurement for prepackaged food. This change would allow the net quantity for most fresh fruits and vegetables to be declared either by weight, volume or numerical count on shipping containers or cases.
Out of scope
Other feedback received requested additional changes to the Units of Measurement for the Net Quantity Declaration of Certain Foods which were not included in the proposed changes. As such, they are outside the scope of this consultation and cannot be considered.
Next steps
Considering the support for the proposed changes, the CFIA will amend the net quantity requirements for fresh fruits or vegetables packaged in non-retail containers.
The CFIA thanks everyone who participated in the consultation process.