Food Regulatory Issues Division

The Food Regulatory Issues Division (FRID) in the Market and Industry Services Branch of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) leads the Health Claims, Novel Foods, and Ingredients initiative, which forms part of the Agricultural Regulatory Action Plan under the Growing Forward policy framework.

The goal is to foster innovation and competitiveness along the value chain and accelerate the market entry of innovative products in the growing category of foods with added health benefits by helping stakeholders understand and navigate Canada's science-based regulatory system. The Division works closely with Health Canada and with AAFC research scientists to gather evidence required to support regulatory and policy decisions.

Key services

The Division is responsible for "Industry Engagement and Knowledge Transfer" and plays several roles:

  • Helps stakeholders determine plans and priorities with respect to health claims, novel foods, and ingredients based on information on market opportunities and the current state of science;
  • Works with industry, the research community and other stakeholders to develop awareness of the science-based regulatory environment for innovative food products;
  • Assists stakeholders to prepare complete and comprehensive regulatory submissions; and
  • Provides analysis and advice on domestic food policy and regulatory issues that impact investment, innovation and competitiveness, particularly with regard to foods with added health benefits.

Our stakeholders

FRID stakeholders include governments, organizations and associations in Canadian agriculture, food and beverage sectors, and companies working through their associations.

Stay informed

The Food Regulatory Issues Division invites you to subscribe to the Food Regulatory Issues e-bulletin to receive timely updates on domestic food policy and regulatory issues, resource materials and other useful information.

Contact us

If you would like to learn more about what the Division can offer, contact the Food Regulatory Issues Division.