January 8, 2013
The Government of Canada is proposing to amend the Maple Products Regulations to provide greater consumer confidence in the safety and purity of maple syrup, and to enhance export opportunities for Canadian maple producers.
The proposed changes will standardize maple syrup grade standards, classification systems and labeling requirements. Revised regulations would bring consistency to the maple industry nationally and internationally by providing a uniform definition of what constitutes maple syrup. Additionally, the proposed regulations introduce new requirements for two grades of maple syrup: Grade A, for sale at retail, and Processing Grade, for use in food processing. This would provide consistency to industry and eliminate confusion for consumers.
Canada is the world leader in maple syrup production, with over 80% of the world's maple syrup exports. These proposed changes will help strengthen the Canadian maple producers' position on the world stage.