June 13, 2022

Canadian Cattlemen's Association concerned over new labelling for ground beef

The Canadian Cattlemen's Association are concerned over a healthy eating campaign launched by Health Canada that includes front-of-package (FOP) labelling for ground beef, because it minimises the nutritional benefits of the meat with an oversimplified label, and there is a possibility of trade implications, Alberta Beef Producers reported.

The Canadian Cattlemen's Association (CCA) said Canada will be the only country in the world with a health warning label on ground beef.

Approximately half of all beef produced in Canada is exported.

The CCA said Health Canada should exempt all classes of ground beef from FOP regulations.

Reg Schellenberg, CCA president, said farmers and ranchers produce a high-quality, accessible, affordable, and nutritious protein, which Canadians rely on as a food source to feed their families.

He said consumers are not getting the right message from Health Canada.

Health Canada intends to introduce (FOP) labelling for foods high in sodium, sugars and/or saturated fat. Ground beef is one such product to be labelled, despite a list of exemptions that include whole foods like whole cuts of meat.

Dr Sylvain Charlebois, a Canadian researcher and professor in food distribution and food policy at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, said the plan for labelling ground beef is a “headscratcher” as it is a natural and affordable animal protein source which many consumers eat every day.

-      Alberta Beef Producers