“Alberta livestock producer associations have requested an exemption from proposed federal labelling requirements for ground meats, similar to exemptions being offered for other nutritious, single-ingredient foods like milk, eggs, vegetables and other meats. Alberta’s government supports this exemption.
“Ground meat, like other whole foods, is a healthy and affordable staple in the diet of many Canadians. Ottawa’s scientifically baseless labelling proposal for ground meat will unfairly affect families struggling with high costs of living and would be an extra kick to producers already working to get back on their feet.
“Every Canadian should take pride in the fact that Alberta’s livestock producers drive economic growth by feeding the world with high-quality meat. Imposing these warning labels sends a negative message to customers and makes our producers less competitive in the global economy.
“We are working closely with the Alberta Beef Producers, the Alberta Cattle Feeders Association and Alberta Pork to support these industries. Alberta’s government has expressed our concern to our federal counterparts and will continue to stand up for livestock producers in our province.”
“A healthy diet emphasizing whole foods is part of the foundation of overall health. Ground beef and pork are whole foods, rich in nutrients and still relatively affordable despite global increases in food prices. This decision was made without consultation with the provinces, which have equivalent expertise in nutrition and food science to that of the federal government. It’s inconsistent with the treatment of other products; it’s not good policy, and it should be reversed.”