Questions and Answers
Modernizing Canada's Maple Products Regulations

What is the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) proposing to change in Canada's Maple Products Regulations?

The proposed amendments to the Maple Products Regulations would:

  • Provide a uniform definition as to what constitutes maple syrup;
  • Contribute to the development of an international standard for grades and colours for maple syrup and for the introduction of four new taste descriptors associated with the colours making it easier for consumers to choose their preferred syrup;
  • Require mandatory production codes for production lots to improve registered producers' ability to quickly identify, respond to and advise the CFIA of potentially unsafe maple products;
  • Remove restrictions on the size and shape of containers for maple products;
  • Require mandatory country or province of origin on the label; and,
  • Enhance Canadian production and sales which already make up over 80 per cent of the world's maple syrup products.

Why is the Government of Canada proposing changes to the Maple Products Regulations?

On May 10, 2012, the Senate adopted a motion calling upon the Government of Canada to adopt a proposal suggested by the International Maple Syrup Institute to standardize maple syrup grades and classification systems. These recommendations would require amendments to Canada's Maple Products Regulations.

Not only will these amendments will provide maple producers greater freedom to market their products internationally, they will make it easier for Canadian consumers to purchase the syrup they prefer. And with the addition of lot and production codes, should a problem with the safety of a product arise, it will be easier to track and recall affected products.

When would these changes come into force?

Timing of the changes coming into force will be determined by the established regulatory process which can take several months.

How would these changes benefit consumers?

From a consumer perspective, the amendments would:

  • Distinguish for consumers the difference between actual maple syrup and products which may have been derived from maple syrup but have been significantly altered;
  • Prevent potential confusion over grading by creating two grades of maple syrup: Grade A for sale at retail and Processing Grade for use in manufacturing food products;
  • Provide consumers additional clarity on the label by adding four taste and colour descriptors making it easier for them to choose their preferred maple syrup;
  • Provide consumers with information on the origin of the product on the label and give them more selection by removing restrictions on the size and shape of maple product containers; and,
  • Strengthen consumer confidence in the safety of maple syrup products by adding mandatory lot codes to make identification of potentially unsafe products easier.

How would these changes benefit industry?

From an industry perspective, the amendments would:

  • Improve consumers' confidence in the authenticity and quality of the product based on standard grades and classification systems;
  • Eliminate confusion between products from different jurisdictions by creating standard grades and classification systems;
  • Improve industry's ability to help mitigate food safety incidents and improve management of them when they do occur by making the practice of naming lot codes mandatory;
  • Help secure the position of Canada's maple producers as a leader in the industry worldwide.

How would these changes help the government regulate the maple industry?

From a government perspective, the amendments would:

  • Eventually cut down on duplicative work between federal, provincial and state governments by streamlining maple product labelling and sales regulations;
  • Improve compliance enforcement and coordination within Canada as well as between Canada and the U.S.A. by harmonizing the grade and standard classification system;
  • Boost the CFIA's ability to provide fundamental guidance to and oversight of industry; and,
  • Enhance the CFIA's response capacity when food safety issues occur.

What is meant by "Grade A" maple syrup?

"Grade A" maple syrup means the syrup is of the right quality to be sold in retail markets. Specific requirements will need to be met including:

  • Uniform in colour
  • Intensity of flavour (taste) normally associated with the colour class
  • Free from objectionable odours, off-flavours, and fermentation
  • Free from turbidity or sediment

If the maple syrup does not meet these Grade A requirements, it would be restricted from being sold in any retail markets but could potentially be sold as Processing Grade maple syrup.

What is "Processing Grade" maple syrup?

"Processing Grade" maple syrup is maple syrup that does not meet Grade A requirements but does meet all other maple regulations related to food quality and safety and can therefore be sold for use in food processing. Processing Grade maple syrup would be restricted from being sold in any retail markets and must be sold in bulk (i.e. packed in containers of 5 gallons or 20 litres or larger). It must be stated clearly on the label that the product is for food processing.

Processing Grade maple syrup could have any of the following attributes:

  • May be any colour class and any light transmittance
  • May be very strong tasting syrup
  • May contain off-flavours

What are the four unique colour classes under Grade A maple syrup?

Grade A maple syrup would need to be classified as one of the following four maple syrup colours and associated tastes:

  • "Golden Colour and Delicate Taste" for consumers preferring a full-body tasting syrup of medium taste intensity;
  • "Amber Colour and Rich Taste" for consumers preferring a full-body tasting syrup of medium taste intensity;
  • "Dark Colour and Robust Taste" for consumers preferring a dark coloured syrup with substantial or robust taste; and,
  • "Very Dark Colour and Strong Taste" generally recommended for cooking purposes but some consumers may prefer it for table use.

Will there be changes to labelling requirements on maple products sold at retail?

Yes. All maple syrup sold in retail markets (Grade A) would require the following information to be marked on the label:

  • Maple Syrup or 100% Maple Syrup
  • Product Origin (State or Province or Country)
  • Grade A (grade name declaration)
  • Colour Class
  • Intensity of Flavour
  • Batch Code or Code of Production