OTTAWA March 4, 2011: The Federal Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal brought by two cheese processors concerning the validity of the Government of Canada’s 2008 federal compositional standards for cheese.
“We are pleased that the Federal Court of Appeal has upheld the authority of the federal government to set compositional standards,” said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “Canadians expect cheese to be made of real milk and this decision will ensure it is. We are proud of our record standing up for consumers.”
The Minister noted that Canadian dairy farmers would also be pleased with this ruling. “We have world-class products that consumers have confidence in,” the Minister added.
Compositional standards for food products, such as cheese, describe basic requirements so that these food products have a uniform composition and meet consumers’ expectations.
“Food standards provide a system through which consumers’ interests are protected and expectations of a food are met,” said the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of State (Agriculture).
The compositional standards for cheese came into effect on December 14, 2008. These standards apply to cheese marketed in import, export or interprovincial trade.
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For information:
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
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