Are you meeting Health Canada’s site license renewal requirements?

Health Canada bulletin on NHP site license renewal

Over the past few weeks, many natural health product (NHP) companies have been caught off guard by an increase in site license suspensions or renewal refusals. Health Canada is reinforcing its compliance expectations and taking action where gaps are found. If your site license renewal is coming up, this is the time to double-check your

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Health Canada issues interim report on sodium targets for processed food

Health Canada’s interim report on sodium targets for processed food

Introduction Sodium reduction in processed foods is no longer optional. It is a critical step for industry players to safeguard consumer health and meet Health Canada’s 2025 targets. Too much sodium raises blood pressure and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, which are among the leading causes of death in Canada. In December

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The Role of Audits in Meeting Health Canada’s Compliance Standards

Auditor reviewing compliance checklist at a licensed facility

When it comes to audits related to Health Canada requirements, staying compliant is about more than checking off a list. It helps you maintain your licence, protect your brand, and stay competitive in a regulated market. If you hold a Drug Establishment Licence (DEL), Medical Device Establishment Licence (MDEL), or a Natural Health Product (NHP)

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What Are FDA Medical Device Classes?

FDA medical device classification system: Class I, II, and III medical devices.

Understanding the FDA classification system for medical devices is key to getting your product to market safely and efficiently. Knowing how the FDA medical devices are categorized can help you avoid setbacks and ensure compliance, whether you’re dealing with a simple tool or a life-saving implant. But how exactly does the FDA determine a device’s

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How to Prepare for an FDA 510(k) Pre-Submission

Are you trying to make sense of the FDA’s 510(k) pre-submission process? You’re not alone. Many companies, especially those new to the regulatory landscape, find themselves wondering where to start, what’s required, and how to get FDA approval for their medical devices. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to waste time and money on unnecessary

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Health Canada Opens 75-Day Consultation on Batch 4b – Share Your Input

Batch 4B

Health Canada Opens 75-Day Consultation on Batch 4b – Share Your Input The Natural and Non-Prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD) invites industry stakeholders to provide feedback on Batch 4b, with consultation open for 75 days. We encourage you to support any suggestions for monograph revisions with published evidence or clear rationale. What’s Included in Batch

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How to Master FDA Audits for Your Dietary Supplement Facility: A Complete Preparation Guide

Introduction Preparing for an FDA audit can be challenging, especially for dietary supplement manufacturers who must meet stringent Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) requirements. The FDA regularly inspects dietary supplement facilities to ensure manufacturing, labeling, and safety regulations compliance. But how can you ensure you’re ready? Failing to meet FDA standards can lead to severe consequences,

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FDA Fees Summary for 2025

FDA User Fees for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY2025) The FDA’s user fees for FY2025, which runs from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, apply to various industries, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, biologics, and animal drugs. These fees help support the FDA’s regulatory and review processes, promoting efficient approval and compliance. 1. Prescription Drug User

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New Modification to Buffer Zone Affects Food Manufacturers and Suppliers

Simplified Explanation of Changes to Labeling Rules Starting July 2022, food manufacturers and suppliers have been required to display special labeling symbols on certain food products. These include a front-of-package (FOP) nutrition symbol for products high in saturated fat, sugar, or sodium, and a supplemented food caution identifier (SFCI) for supplemented foods with specific health

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Quality Smart Solutions Launches GRAS Experts to Protect Against Food Safety Risks

GRAS Experts, a new division aimed at tackling ingredient safety concerns and helping businesses stay ahead of regulatory changes and avoiding recalls In light of McDonald’s recent recall of Quarter Pounders due to E. coli contamination, the need for stringent oversight on food ingredients has never been more critical. Quality Smart Solutions has launched GRAS

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Government of Canada Launches Consultation on Plant-Based Egg Alternative Labelling: What Businesses Need to Know

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has launched a 90-day consultation on proposed guidance for labelling plant-based alternatives to egg products, a critical development for businesses involved in Novel Food Products and ingredients. As the plant-based food market skyrockets, this new consultation presents both an opportunity and a challenge for companies to ensure their products

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New Hydration Product Monographs Launched

The NNHPD Opens Consultation on Batch 4 Through new guidelines, stakeholders are invited to shape the future of homeopathic and topical health products. The Natural and Non-Prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD) has made a significant announcement, opening a crucial consultation period for Batch 4 of their latest product monographs, including several that will impact the

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7 Must-Know EFSA Novel Food Regulation Changes for 2025: You Need To Be Ready

Are your novel food products ready for the new European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) regulations? If you’re planning to enter the European market in 2025, significant updates to the EFSA novel food regulatory framework are on the horizon, effective from February 1, 2025. These changes will affect everything from risk assessments to labelling, sustainability, and

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Understanding the Key Changes to Natural Health Product (NHP) Labeling in Canada

Natural health products (NHPs) are widely used in Canada, ranging from vitamins, minerals, and herbal remedies to probiotics and homeopathic medicines. As these products play a vital role in promoting health and wellness, clear and accurate labeling is essential to ensure consumers can make informed decisions about the products they use. To strengthen consumer safety

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FDA Considerations Selling Foods in USA

  Regulatory Considerations when Selling Foods and Beverages in the United States  Selling food products in the United States requires compliance with various regulations to ensure consumer safety and public health. The regulatory framework is complex, involving multiple federal agencies, state laws, and industry standards. Here’s an overview of the key regulatory requirements:  Federal Agencies: 

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Health Canada 2024 Changes for Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT)

Health Canada 2024 Changes for Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT) On August 22, 2024, the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, announced new measures aimed at preventing youth from being harmed by nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs). The following outlines the recent updates from Health Canada concerning NRTs. There is increasing concern that NRTs, particularly newer formats

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How to Create Health Canada Compliant Food Labels

How to Create Health Canada Compliant Food Labels  When entering the Canadian market, designing your food labels correctly is not just important—it’s critical. The Canadian food labelling landscape is complex and unforgiving, with stringent requirements that can make or break your product’s success. Quality Smart Solutions (QSS) can get your labels compliant so you can

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New Update on FDA Sodium Reduction Efforts

The FDA has taken a significant step forward in its ongoing sodium reduction initiative by issuing new, voluntary sodium reduction targets in a draft guidance, marking the launch of Phase II in their efforts. This follows Phase I, aimed at decreasing diet-related diseases associated with high sodium intake, where final voluntary sodium reduction goals were

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Health Canada plans to share document about health products containing CBD this fall

This fall, Health Canada is anticipating sharing a policy consultation document about health products containing (CBD). This proposal has been in the works since 2019. In 2022, Health Canada  released  a report on health products containing cannabis. Released earlier this year, The Forward Regulatory Plan for 2024 to 2026 details regulatory initiatives that Health Canada

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Health Canada’s Regulatory Plan 2024-26: Proposed Amendments to NHP and Non-Prescription Drugs

Health Canada has unveiled its Forward Regulatory Plan for 2024-2026, outlining significant amendments to the Natural Health Products Regulations and the Food and Drug Regulations under the Food and Drugs Act.   These amendments are designed to align the regulatory approach for self-care products, ensuring a streamlined and risk-based framework that reflects contemporary standards.  To

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Health Canada 2024 Drug Establishment Licensing (DEL) Update

Health Canada Drug Licensing Update

Health Canada is introducing a new plan to modernize the Drug Establishment Licensing (DEL) framework over the coming years. This plan, divided into two phases, focuses on strengthening regulatory oversight, aligning with international standards, and easing administrative burdens.  Before going into details of the update, let’s throw light on what DEL is and who needs

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How to get an NHP Licence for Nicotine Pouches in Canada?

Remember the days of gumming patches, sucking lozenges, and hiding bulky vaporizers? Nicotine pouches, those discreet little packets promising rapid release and sleek satisfaction, are rewriting the playbook. But for NHP manufacturers, the thrill of this pocket-sized revolution comes with a hefty stack of regulatory paperwork. Before you get lost in the regulatory labyrinth, let’s

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FDA Updates Yogurt Standard: Key Changes for Manufacturers

FDA Updates Yogurt Standard

Attention all yogurt makers, big and small! The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has finalized changes to the standard of identity for yogurt, effective January 1, 2024. These updates aim to modernize regulations while maintaining the core characteristics of this beloved food. Here’s the scoop: Yogurt’s getting a modern makeover. The FDA is updating

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Navigating GRAS Panels: A Guide to Best Practices

When it comes to introducing new substances into the world of food and dietary supplements, ensuring safety is paramount. The GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) designation plays a critical role in this process. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides guidance on how to convene a GRAS panel effectively and responsibly, ensuring that the

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Everything businesses should know about the Supplemented Foods Facts Table (SFFT)

Supplemented Foods Facts Table

Introducing the Supplemented Foods Facts Table (SFFT), your go-to guide for navigating the ever-changing world of supplemented foods. With consumer demand skyrocketing for these products, grasping the SFFT is vital for businesses looking to excel in this booming market. In this article, we’ll unravel everything you need to know about the SFFT, from its purpose

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How Manufacturers Can Stay Compliant With Canadian Medical Device Rules

Batch 4B

  So, you’re a medical device manufacturer eyeing the Canadian market? Great choice! But before you dive in, let’s talk about the regulatory hoops you’ll need to jump through. Selling medical devices in Canada comes with its own set of rules, and trust me, you want to be on the right side of these regulations.

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A Guide to FDA 510(k) Clearance for Medical Devices

This article will break down the regulatory complexities of FDA 510(k) clearance, including submission requirements, classification, and more.

Navigating the intricate world of medical devices can be daunting, especially when it comes to ensuring their safety and effectiveness. In the United States, the FDA 510(k) clearance process is the critical checkpoint manufacturers must pass before introducing medical devices. This article will break down the regulatory complexities of FDA 510(k) clearance, including submission requirements,

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Navigating the Regulatory Seas: How Experts Ensure Your Medical Devices Set Sail Smoothly

medical device regulation requirements

Introduction  In the ever-changing world of medical device manufacturing, ensuring your product complies with regulations is akin to navigating stormy seas. The safety of patients, the assurance of quality, and the complexities of compliance weigh heavily on manufacturers. This article sheds light on the challenges faced and how expert navigators—regulatory consultants—play a pivotal role in

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A Clear Guide to FDA 510(k) Submission Requirements

510(k) Submission Process

Introduction In the world of medical devices, ensuring patient safety and efficacy is paramount. The 510(k) submission process is a critical step for manufacturers seeking clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market their devices. This process can be complex, but it plays a pivotal role in bringing innovative medical devices to

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Navigating French Language Labeling Requirements in Canada: A Guide for Food Manufacturers

Navigating French Language Labeling Requirements in Canada: A Guide for Food Manufacturers

Introduction: As a food manufacturer in Canada, ensuring that your product labels comply with Health Canada’s regulations is crucial for successful market entry and consumer safety. For businesses looking to distribute food products in Canada, one essential aspect is adherence to bilingual labeling requirements, notably including French alongside English on product labels. In this blog,

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Everything businesses should know about submitting a 30-Day Pre-Market Notification and Structure-Function Claims

Title: Everything Businesses Should Know About Submitting a 30-Day Pre-Market Notification and Structure-Function Claim for Dietary Supplements

https://youtu.be/MlufAYFqQ1s In dietary supplements, navigating the intricate regulatory landscape is a challenging yet indispensable aspect of launching your product. Submitting a 30-day Pre-Market Notification and Structure-Function Claim to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a pivotal regulatory requirement. This notification must be submitted at least 30 days before introducing your dietary supplement to

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Navigating Cosmetic Product Regulations through FDA Recent MoCRA Update

Navigating Cosmetic Product Regulations through FDA Recent MoCRA Update

https://youtu.be/uuXA8yHrrZc Introduction: In response to the FDA’s recent draft guidance on the Registration and Listing of Cosmetic Product Facilities and Products, we’ve got some updates and insights that might interest you, especially if you’re in the cosmetic business. First, nearly 50 public comments were submitted to the FDA regarding this draft guidance by the September 5,

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Selling Your Food Products in the USA: A Guide for Food Business Owners

Selling Your Food Products in the USA: A Guide for Food Business Owners

https://youtu.be/x4c0LEPmJuM If you’re selling food products in the United States, understanding and complying with FDA regulations is non-negotiable. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established rigorous requirements to ensure the safety and transparency of food products available to consumers. Here’s a practical guide tailored to food business owners on ensuring your food products meet

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How to prepare and submit an eStar 510k Submission as of October 1st

How to prepare and submit an eStar 510k Submission as of October 1st

Introduction:  Staying up-to-date with the latest regulations and tools is crucial in medical device submissions. As of June 9, 2023, the FDA introduced the electronic Submission Template and Resource (eSTAR) for Pre-Submissions, revolutionizing the process for medical device applicants. Starting October 1, 2023, all 510(k) submissions, unless exempted, must be submitted electronically using the eSTAR template.

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Understanding FSVP Rules and How to Stay Compliant

A Comprehensive Guide to FSVP Rules and Records for Importers Introduction:

For importers in the global food trade, ensuring the safety and compliance of imported products is a top priority. The Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) is vital to this effort, requiring importers to adhere to specific rules and meticulously maintain accurate records. In this article, we’ll delve into everything importers need to know about FSVP

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What the Draft Guidance Means for MLMD Applications

MLMD Application Submissions

*This summary of Health Canada’s guidance document provides compliance details for manufacturers submitting a new or amended application. Under the regulations, this applies to Class II, III, and IV for MLMD. It does not cover the non-ML information required in a medical device license application.* Artificial intelligence (AI) encompasses algorithms and models that perform tasks

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How FSMA Strengthens Food Safety Compliance

FSMA Assurance

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Made Simple Imagine a world where preventing food-related illnesses is more important than dealing with them after they happen. That’s precisely what the FSMA, introduced in 2011, aims to achieve. The FSMA focuses on stopping contamination and illnesses before they occur, covering various stages of the food supply chain,

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