Keynote

Implications of the FDA Food Regulatory Modernization Act for Canadian Manufacturers, Importers and Exporters

The FDA Food Regulatory Modernization Act is one of the most comprehensive food legislations passed in decades. It aims to ensure the US food supply is safe by shifting the focus of federal regulators from responding to preventing contamination. As a Canadian food company, how will it impact your day-to-day operations? This presentation will address:

• Required risk-based foreign supplier verification
• Proposed implementation dates for key provisions
• When and how foreign food facilities will be inspected

Identify FSMA's impact and lay the groundwork to remain compliant for US exporting.

David Elder, Regional Operations Director, Office of Regulatory Affairs, Food and Drug Administration

Retailers' Roundtable

Driving Continuous Improvement to Protect the Quality and Integrity of Your Food Chain

Retailers represent an essential link in the food quality equation, connecting manufacturers and consumers. Gain insight into internal programs leading retailers use to ensure effective communications and quality products for consumers.

• Develop best-in-class Food Regulatory programs for retail
• Measure progress of GFSI adoption and implementation
• Communicate quality and traceability requirements to suppliers
• Implement distribution and warehousing best practices

Ensure consumer protection and strengthen confidence for your retail brand.

Katherine Di Tommaso, Senior Manager, Food Regulatory and Quality Control, Wal-Mart Canada

Gillian Kelleher, VP, Food Regulatory & Quality Assurance, Wegmans Food Markets

Mid-Morning Networking Break

Interact with conference speakers and fellow attendees

Regulatory Briefing

Making Sense of Food Laws and Government Enforcement – What should you be aware of?

Regulation is a constant driving force behind the evolving food industry. This provocative legal discussion will brief you on topical issues for Canadian food supply stakeholders, including agricultural foods and international trade:

• Recent regulatory developments and how they are interpreted
• Legal gray areas and lesser-known obligations
• Policies and legislations that should be on your radar

Be aware of the latest legal food issues to protect your business.

Dr. Ronald Doering, Counsel, Gowlings

Case Study: Cargill

Leveraging GFSI to Further Implementation of Robust Internal Quality & Food Regulatory Management Systems

As an international food and agricultural producer, Cargill employs 131,000 people in 66 countries. Hear about the opportunities and challenges in Cargill's journey to deploy the FSSC 22000 standard at over 860 plants globally.

• Develop a systematic Food Regulatory approach by reviewin interrelated processes
• Evaluate and correct gaps in procedures, training and management
• Turn customer audits into "targeted customer visits"
• Translate this framework for smaller companies

Transform auditing into meaningful improvements for your business, brand and customers.

Roger Bont, Global Quality Assurance Director, Cargill

Networking Luncheon

Join the conference speakers and your peers for a relaxing luncheon.

Health Canada Update

Complying with Enhanced Legislation for Allergens Identification and Labeling

Health Canada is committed to protect Canadians with food allergies, sensitivities and celiac disease. On August 4, 2012, the enhanced food allergen labeling regulations will come into force for pre-packaged foods. Get important information on:

• Overview of changes and new requirements
• Amendments to allergens, gluten sources, and sulphites identification
• Implications of mustard listed as a new priority allergen
• Introduction of commonly used words and common names

Hear vital updates on Canada's allergen labeling regulations.

Marilyn Allen, Allergen Risk Management Specialist, Anaphylaxis Canada; Food Allergy Consultant to Health Canada

GFSI Roundtable

How to Reduce Risks, Minimize Costs and Choose the Right Standard

The Global Food Regulatory Initiative (GFSI) is recognized as a preferred benchmark for Food Regulatory internationally. Join this panel of leading standards to examine how GFSI could cut costs, further your business and quality objectives. Gain key insights into:

• Choosing the right standard: Differences in application and implementation
• Compliance transferability: Compare GFSI and government-mandated programs
• Harmonized audits: Improve efficiency by reducing duplications

Match standards with your organization's needs and improve your cost efficiency.

John Kukoly, Senior Technical Marketing Consultant, BRC Global Standards	Heather Gale, CanadaGAP National Program Manager, Canadian Horticultural Council
George Gansner, Director of Marketing & Business Development, IFS North America	Todd Johnston, Commercial Manager North America, SGS Food Services

Mid-Afternoon Networking Break

Interact with conference speakers and fellow attendees.

Case Study: Archer Daniels Midland

Opportunities and Regulatory Challenges in Enhancing the Nutritional Value of Foods

Nutritional enhancements are gaining momentum as an emerging field in food. Developing new products and using ingredients with health properties both present unique challenges. What are the legalities behind food fortification and natural health products?

• Definition of functional foods, nutraceuticals, food enrichment, and fortification
• Path to market from consumer needs identification to regulatory approval
• Health claims and marketing in Canada – the plant sterol case
• International harmonization of regulations

Meet compliance and optimize your product in the marketplace.

Dr. Luis A. Mejia, Director of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs, Archer Daniels Midland

Food Star Program

Aligning Quality and Risk Management to Save Costs and Improve Compliance

Food companies are exposed to threats of recalls, negative press, global supply, and market risks daily. The right insurance program can help you strategically manage these interconnected risks. Explore how to:

• Reduce operational and risk costs through GFSI programs
• Enhance enterprise risk management, compliance and quality
• Deliver value-added services to improve crisis management

Align your risk and quality functions to achieve cost-savings and better compliance.

Dan Sisolak, Vice President, McCuaig Insurance Limited	Paul Valder, CEO, Paul Valder Consulting Inc.
Tim Woods, Assistant Vice President Engineering, Aviva Canada

Cocktail Reception

Unwind and mingle with delegates and speakers at our exclusive end-of-day gathering. Bring your business cards.

Sponsored By:

Opening Comments from the Chair

Gary Fread, President, Fread & Associates Ltd.

Sodium Reduction

A Roadmap to Meeting Targets, Timelines and Appealing to Consumer Appetites

Health Canada continually works with the industry to improve the health of Canadians. How can your organization balance consumer demands with health considerations? Take away what to expect as the sodium reduction strategy unfolds.

• Understand reduction targets for various food groups
• Overcome functional and implementation challenges
• Evaluate recommendations and guidelines for food stakeholders
• Improve awareness with effective consumer communications

Establish a practical, step-wise sodium reduction program for your organization.

Dr. Mary L'Abbé Professor of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto former Vice Chair, Health Canada's Sodium Working Group

Food Companies Roundtable

Managing Compliance and Business Drivers to Improve Quality and Competitiveness

Opportunities can emerge from any corner of the world. How do food companies improve quality and drive performance? Hear first-hand how industry leaders deal with escalating costs and out of date acts.

• Identify business and compliance drivers for your organization
• Implement and maintain GFSI compliant programs
• Leverage consumer insights and trends to create value
• Resolve challenges in global food supply and distribution

Capitalize on emerging trends to improve your core business.

Don Wilcox, Vice President, Technical Services, Canada Bread Company	Cheryl McLaughlin, Quality Director, Cott Beverages
Melissa Hickey, Food Safety and HACCP Manager, Bonté Foods

Mid-Morning Networking Break

Interact with conference speakers and fellow attendees.

Networking Luncheon

Join the conference speakers and your peers for a relaxing luncheon.

Auditing Panel

Cost-Effective Techniques to Avoid Common Pitfalls Leading to Recalls

Recalls cost the industry hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Turn auditing into a cost-effective mechanism to minimize likelihood of these incidents. Acquire practical tips on: Clarify legal obligations and liabilities for food supply stakeholders

• How to avoid common problems identified in failed audits
• Top 10 things a plant manager should do to stay inspection ready
• Corrective steps to resolve key barriers in certification

Streamline your auditing process to minimize costs and increase productivity.

Jan Eudy, Corporate Quality Assurance Manager, Cintas Corporation

Julie Press, National Operations Manager Agri-Food, QMI-SAI Global

Case Study: Nature's Path Foods

A Holistic Approach to Organics – Getting it Right, from the Farm to Consumer

Organic foods are increasing in popularity, often regarded as a healthier and safer option. On the forefront of organic producers, Nature's Path has created a comprehensive system that incorporates supplies, policies and consumer interaction. Learn:

• How regulations affect sourcing and manufacturing processes
• Resources and techniques to meet organic and non-GMO certification
• Tools to deliver the organic promise to consumers

Assess organic certification requirements and develop a framework to provide quality for your customers.

Dag Falck, Organic Program Manager, Nature's Path Foods

Mid-Afternoon Networking Break

Interact with conference speakers and fellow attendees.

Peer to Peer Forum

Delivering Conference Tangibles: Summary Recommendations and the Road Ahead

Join a group of peers to summarize the lessons learned in the past two days. Identify priorities and create a list of recommendations for your organization. One person from each table will be nominated to share findings with other delegates..

Peer-to-peer brainstorming from different backgrounds can result in increased awareness and innovative quality improvement strategies.