The March 3rd Speech from the Throne contained some initiatives that could directly impact Canada’s
fisheries:
• The government “will introduce new legislation to reform Canada’s outdated system of fisheries
management”
• The government will implement free trade agreements with Peru and the European Free Trade
Association (Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein) as well as seek ratification from
Parliament of new agreements that have been negotiated with Columbia, Jordan, and Panama.
In addition, the government committed to continue free trade negotiations with the EU, India,
Korea, and the Caribbean Community (Caricom – Haiti, Trinidad & Tobago, etc.)
• Review all departmental spending to “ensure value for money and tangible results”.
2010 Federal Budget
One element of the 2010 Budget that will directly impact seafood processors is the elimination of
remaining tariffs on imported machinery and equipment as well as the elimination of tariffs on
imported goods for further processing.
IntraFish’s Top 10 Trends to Watch in 2010
1. Foodservice rebound
2. Traceability mania. With the EU’s catch certificate regime now being implemented, more
requirements are expected from governments and buyers.
3. Cod is back. Barents Sea cod stocks are healthy; North Sea stocks are showing more positive
signs of recovery.
4. Fish feed frenzy. The International Fishmeal & Fish Oil organization started it with its responsible
Supply Code to ensure safe and traceable feed products. Tesco put cash to sponsor the project and
will, undoubtedly, feature this in its sourcing policies. If the trend catches, a race could be on to
supply the greenest, cleanest and most sustainably –caught fish for feed.
5. Eco-label backlash? It started with a report from MRAG ltd. which reported that the current glut of
eco-labels on seafood packaging is both confusing for consumers and lacking enough information
about the program. Moreover, it noted that the high cost of certification discriminates against
developing countries inhibiting their market access regardless of the state of the fishery. As well,
some NGOs have attacked MSC and their certifiers regarding the analysis and certification of some
fisheries. Expect more rumblings in 2010 as the bubbling enthusiasm over eco-labels gives way to a
more pragmatic and critical reception.
6. Virus trouble. The world’s largest shrimp producer (CP Prima) is overhauling its production
processes after a year of fighting the spread of the highly infectious IMN virus. IMN is an emerging L.
vannamei disease; first detected in Brazil in 2002 and has since spread to Indonesia in 2006.
7. Package from Norway. With Chile’s salmon industry caput, starting in 2007 because of a massive
outbreak of ISA virus, Norway has stepped up. Comparing the first 9 months of 2009 to 2008,
Norway’s exports to the USA increased from 1,500mt to 13,000mt.
8. Battle for aquaculture eco-hearts and minds. WWF and the Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA)
are emerging as keen competitors for aquaculture certification. WWF is finally on the playing field
with the introduction of its dialogue tilapia standard. Pangasius will likely be next with the rest of the
species under development completed in 2010. Ultimately, the WWF dialogue certifications will be
handled by the recently formed Aquaculture Certification Council (ASC) which will do for aquaculture
what MSC does for the wild fishery. The question is whether the WWF initiative is in time or are
companies already fully committed to GAA and its Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP).
9. Frozen explosion. With the credit crunch, tighter consumer wallets, and a trend to simple, healthy,
and natural products, frozen food is experiencing a renaissance.
10. New decade, fresh start. 2010 seems to be starting with positive vibes. Most firms have “right –
sized” themselves and feel they are in shape to make some money.
Food Colouring Ingredient Listing to Change
Currently, Health Canada allows food colours to be declared in the ingredient list by use of the
general term “colour” to specify one or more food colours. Health Canada plans to propose
regulations to eliminate or amend this option. They are looking at two options:
1. labelling of all food colours by their individual common name or a numerical identifier (e.g. a
Colour Identification number)
2. labelling of all synthetic colours that do not occur in nature by the individual common name
and the natural colours cochineal, carmine, and annatto (each of which has been associated
with allergic or sensitivity responses). All remaining colours could be identified by the generic
term “colour” or by the common name.
The FCC is working with its Inspection/Technical Committee to assess the impact of this initiative and
to see if there is a consensus of which of the above options is preferred.
Health Canada Sodium Reduction Targets
In response to high levels of sodium in the diets of Canadians, Health Canada will be pressuring the
food processing industry to voluntarily reduce sodium content in their products. A working group has
assembled data regarding the sodium content in a wide range of foods and is proposing maximum
sodium target levels.
For canned seafood, the sodium content averages ranges from 80mg/100g for products with a no
added sodium claim (salmon & tuna) to 706.5 mg/100g for canned shrimp products. Health Canada’s
suggested maximum for these products is 400mg/100g.
For frozen fish products, the range is 375 mg/100g for shrimp to 551mg/100gfor breaded & battered
products. The proposed target is 450mg/100g.
For frozen smoked products, the average is 843.5mg/100g. The proposed target is 840mg/100g.
The FCC will be reviewing the initiative with its Inspection/Technical Committee.
