Health Canada said it was preparing for the possibility that a shortage of sunflower oil could exacerbate the difficulty in the supply of infant formula in the country.
The federal agency said work closely with manufacturers who use sunflower oil as an essential ingredient in making their baby formula.
The collaboration includes, in particular, speeding up the testing process for any replacement ingredient to ensure the product still meets Canadian quality standards. One such substitute is considered a major change requiring pre-market assessment.
Between them, Ukraine and Russia are responsible for half of the world’s sunflower oil exports, but since Russia’s invasion, Vladimir Putin’s regime has been accused of blocking Ukraine’s ports and so on. prevent the delivery of these staple foods.
Meanwhile, Health Canada said it would temporarily extend infant formula imports from Europe and the United States to bail the supply chain.
The initial strategy to open the market to 20 formulas approved for consumption in Europe and the United States is set to end on June 30. In a statement sent via email, Health Canada confirmed that it will extend this policy, without commenting. offer more details.
The national spokesperson for the Retail Council of Canada said the organization had been advised that the extension would take until December 30, 2022.
Last week, the federal agency acknowledged the existence of a shortage of specially formulated formula for babies with allergies or certain specific health conditions.
A factory closed
A massive product recall was announced in February that shut down production at Abbott Nutrition’s plant in Michigan, exacerbating the supply crisis and shortages already in place in the United States due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although less severe north of the border, the shortage is still felt among members of the Retail Council of Canada. They had to impose quantity limits on online and in-store orders to meet the demand of all their customers.
In its statement sent via email, Health Canada refers to an immediate situation largely because of the important nature of this product for the health of infants.
The agency does not rule out the possibility of taking new steps, if necessary, to inform Canadians of any risk associated with the supply of this resource.
The temporary measure to expand imports took effect on March 10, with the aim of preventing a shortage of infant formula. In particular, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency recommends suspending the application of labeling rules for certain products from the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland and Germany that meet product standards comparable to Canadians.
Source: Radio-Canada
