In Budget 2014, the Government of Canada announced the commitment to modernize the compositional standards for beer under the Food and Drug Regulations. The existing standards no longer reflect marketplace realities, including consumer demand, competition, innovation and technological developments for products within the beer category.
The proposed new standard is based on extensive research and collaboration between the Government of Canada and the beer industry, including Beer Canada which represents about 80 per cent of the industry. The Government's consultation on these amendments seeks comment from industry and consumers.
Currently, the Food and Drug Regulations include one standard of identity for beer and another, nearly identical standard for ale, stout, porter and malt liquor.
The proposed amendments to the Food and Drug Regulations would allow for greater innovation within the brewing industry to develop different kinds of products, and by extension, offer greater choice for consumers.
