Following in the footsteps of Ontario and Calgary, the B.C. government announced this week that it will begin implementing a temporary cap on the fees charged to restaurants by food delivery companies.
Although the caps will certainly help some restaurants stay afloat over the next few months, several Ontario restaurateurs have recently expressed their frustration and concern that the prolonged restrictions will lead to more permanent closures within the industry.
Lastly, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued an update to a recent food recall warning, expanding its recall of several deli meats because of possible Listeria contamination. Although no related illnesses have been reported, the CFIA has advised that any affected products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased.
Here are five stories you might have missed in food news this week.
B.C. announces temporary cap on delivery app fees
Following in the footsteps of Ontario and Calgary, the B.C. government announced this week that it will implement a temporary fee cap of 15 per cent charged to restaurants by food delivery companies.
The temporary legislation will also place a limit of five per cent on related fees like payment processing to ensure the charges won’t be shifted to other charges for restaurants. The caps will be implemented on December 27 and are expected to be in place for three months.
Visit The Star for more.
Ontario restaurants prepare for month-long lockdown
Over the past week, several Ottawa restaurateurs have expressed their frustration and concern regarding the province’s impending month-long lockdown, which came into effect yesterday.
Although takeout and delivery will still be permitted, many believe that the prolonged duration of the upcoming restrictions will lead to the permanent closure of numerous businesses and are hopeful that a reduced timeframe will be considered.
Find the full story at CBC News.
CFIA issues expansion of meat recall due to possible Listeria contamination
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued an update to a recent food recall warning, expanding its recall of several deli meats because of possible Listeria contamination. The recall includes deli meat products from Assala, Compliments, The Deli-Shop, and Levitts brands.
Although the CFIA says that there have been no reports of illness associated with the consumption of the recalled products, regulators advise that any affected products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased.
Get the full breakdown from CTV News.
Community rallies to support stranded farm workers
Following the news that nearly 400 migrant workers from Trinidad and Tobago will be unable to return home for the holidays, a group of Ontarians joined forces to brighten their spirits by delivering Caribbean care packages.
Federal and provincial officials are currently working with consular officials from Trinidad and Tobago to expedite the workers’ return, however, according to one Ontario farmer, only two of the 92 workers at his farm have been permitted to return.
Find out more at CBC News.
Toronto bakery receives surprise visit from AGCO
Toronto’s Icing on the Cake bakery received a surprise visit from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) this week after a complaint was reportedly “selling alcohol illegally” by using alcohol in its baked goods.
Owner Lynda Paul, who has operated the bakery without an incident for the past 16 years, said that she is baffled, frustrated and angered by the inspection. Baking with alcohol is fairly standard, especially when it comes to holiday baking, so this seems to be a Grinch-like complaint.
Head to Beach Metro for the story.
