Upcoming Food Safety Courses:
  • SQF Internal Auditing - Nov. 24 - 25 - $650
  • BRC Vulnerability Assessment / Food Fraud - Dec. 4 - $325
  • Implementing SQF Systems - Jan. 12-13 - $650
  • BRCGS Issue 8 Site Training - Jan 26-27 - $650

Remember to contact AFPA for your GAP assessment or consulting needs to receive AFPA members rates!
GMP, Preventive Controls & HACCP Implementation (Virtual Instructor Led)
Nov. 24-25 or Jan 26-27 - $800
$800/person - Learn how to successfully implement a GMP & Preventive Controls compliant HACCP system. Recognized by the International HACCP Alliance & include an exam.
  • Overview of HACCP; Hazards & Controls
  • GMP's & Prerequisite Programs
  • Preliminary Steps to Hazard Analysis
  • Critical Control Points & Critical Limits
  • Monitoring
  • Corrective Action; Verification Procedures; Record Keeping

or simply melody@afpa.com
WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY all in person attendance with covid protocols in place
NEW DATES (we are coming to Lethbridge)

$450/person
OHS Roles & Responsibilities for Managers/Supervisors - Part of new supervisory competency requirements. Anyone that directs the work of others by any title

Lethbridge - Dec. 2; Jan 27; March 11

Calgary - Dec. 9; Jan 28; March 4

Edmonton - Feb. 17

Hazard Assessment
Calg Feb 4; Edm Mar 3; Lethb. Feb 3

Incident & Accident Investigation
Calg Feb 11; Edm Mar 10; Lethb. Feb 10

$725/person
Program Building - Teaches how to properly build & Implement your HS system.
March 17-18 Edm or March 24-25 Calg
NEW DATE JUST ADDED DUE TO DEMAND:

Joint HS Committee or Representative - $450 This training is MANDATORY for HSC co-chairs & HS representatives, however any committee members or worker interested in health & safety, would benefit from the course & part of their 16 hr annual training allotment.

Lethbridge - Dec 3; Jan 20; Feb 24

Calgary - Nov 20 (a couple spots left); Dec 16; Jan 21; Feb 25; March 31

Edmonton - Feb 18; March 30
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Canadian Grocery Code of Conduct 
 
AFPA, in partnership with food and beverage manufacturing industry associations across Canada are appealing to provincial ministers to raise the serious issue of a much-needed Canadian Grocery Code of Conduct at the next meeting of Canada’s agriculture and food ministers, scheduled for November 21, 2020. 
Canada has a highly concentrated grocery sector, with just 5 large retailers controlling over 80 % of Canada’s grocery market. This concentration has allowed retailers to dictate the terms of business and levy unnecessary, arbitrary fees and deductions on suppliers. These measures have injected inefficiency into Canada’s food system leading to higher consumer prices, reduced food autonomy and declining investments in Canadian food and beverage processing. Today, 83% of new food products introduced in Canada were neither developed nor manufactured in this country.
 
COVID-19 has demonstrated the importance of having a resilient and robust food system. As we look to strengthen Canada’s food supply, a Canadian Grocery Code of Conduct can play a critical role in ensuring greater balance across the food supply chain and in reducing practices that create disincentives to investment and innovation in Canada.
 
  • You can read the letters sent to provincial government ministers here: Alberta
 
We have been informed recently that this important topic will be added to the ministers’ meeting agenda. We will report any developments as soon as we are able to.
A GREAT RESOURCE: Occupational Health & Safety Resources for food and beverage manufacturers
 
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) launched a new COVID-19 Health and Safety Resources page. This online hub includes a customizable tool kit resource and access to more than 40 free resources, including a COVID-19: Workplace Health and Safety Guide, and Tip Sheets specific to Agriculture and Food Processing. The Tool Kit option allows you to download the guide on its own or bundle other industry and workplace-specific tip sheets, infographics, and posters to create a customized and comprehensive COVID-19 tool kit. 
Resources:
 
E-Courses: 
 
Printable Posters/Stickers: 
 
Answers related to handwashing, colds, flus, business continuity, sanitation, good hygiene practices
Front of Package Labelling (FOPL)
 
Health Canada has just published the results of a study evaluating the efficacy of FOPL as a tool for making food choices that support reduction in the intakes of sugar, sodium, saturated fat. The study found that, overall, FOPL was significantly more effective than current labeling at helping consumers of varying health literacy levels to identify foods high in these nutrients and that, among four labelling options being considered by Health Canada, each were equally effective. In February 2018 Health Canada released draft regulations on FOPL, however these were never finalized. With COVID-19, it isn’t clear when Health Canada will resurrect this initiative, however publication of the research paper confirms it remains a priority.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is consulting with Canadians on proposed updates to the guidelines for industry on simulated meat & simulated poultry products as well as new guidelines for certain plant-based protein foods. The guidelines outline the rules for labelling, advertising, composition and fortification for such products. The proposed updates are intended to provide consumers with the info they need to make informed buying decisions & to clarify for Canada's food industry what constitutes simulated meat or poultry products. Clearer guidelines will better support industry in their understanding & application of the regulatory requirements. Have your say & complete the online survey by Dec 3, 2020.