REGULATORY UPDATE
Health Canada has announced a phased approach to modernizing Canada’s protein-related regulations, with a new consultation proposing greater flexibility in how manufacturers assess protein quality.
For PBFC members, the update also signals upcoming opportunities to inform reviews of protein content claims and requirements for plant-based foods—key areas of PBFC’s regulatory advocacy.
What is being proposed now?
The October 22 consultation proposes three changes:
Accept DIAAS as an additional protein quality method, alongside PER and PDCAAS, for most applicable protein quality requirements, including those for simulated meat and poultry products. Protein claims on infant foods would continue to require PER.
Allow two laboratory-based digestibility assays—pH-stat and pH-drop—for PDCAAS assessments, within the scope of the specified official methods.
Create a new DIAAS methodology document explaining how to determine a food’s protein rating for regulatory purposes.
The proposal would expand assessment options. Broader changes to protein claim criteria will be considered separately.
What comes next?
Health Canada expects stakeholder engagement on protein content claim criteria to begin in 2027, followed by engagement on plant and other non-animal protein food requirements, including simulated meat and poultry products, in 2028. Completion timelines for these reviews have not been established.
PBFC will work with its Policy & Regulatory Committee to develop an industry response to the consultation.
If you have any questions, reach out to Teresa Mastrodicasa, Vice President, Food & Consumer Products Policy & Regulatory Affairs.