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.
Together, Ukraine and Russia are responsible for half of the world’s sunflower oil exports; but, since the Russian invasion, Vladimir Putin’s regime has been accused of blocking Ukrainian ports and thus preventing the delivery of this staple food.
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 formula milk products approved for consumption in Europe and the United States should end on June 30. In a statement sent via email, Health Canada confirmed that it will extend this policy , without offering further 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 milk formulas specially designed for babies with allergies or certain health problems.
A factory closed
A massive product recall announced in February resulted in the closure of production at Abbott Nutrition’s plant in Michigan, which in turn exacerbated 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, primarily 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
