The Ontario Maple Syrup Regulations

The Ontario Maple Syrup Regulations set out standards for premises, grading, colour classification, packaging, labelling, and misrepresentation. A number of regulatory amendments were made on January 01, 2016. Some of the changes to the regulations can be phased in – with January 01, 2018 being the date when all producers must comply with the new requirements. Details on each of the sections in the Regulations can be found on the OMSPA website at www.OMSPA.ca .

The major change that affects all producers in Ontario is the adoption of the IMSI recommended standards for colour classification. The four categories are now:

Golden – Delicate Taste
Amber – Rich Taste
Dark – Robust Taste
Very Dark – Strong Taste

Under the revised regulations use of the Taste Descriptor is optional; however OMSPA encourages all producers to use the taste descriptors on their labels, in order to promote consistency in the market place and help the consumer better understand the classification of maple products

Also note that a code identifying the production lot of the maple syrup is a new requirement effective January 01, 2018.

Federal Registered Establishments
Federally registered producers must follow the requirements administered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The legislative and regulatory requirements can be found in the Canada Agricultural Products Act, Maple Products Regulations.

Additional Information
More details can be found on the OMSPA website at www.OMSPA.ca
A copy of O. Reg. 119/11 can be found at: http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_110119_e.htm