For release: May 11, 2004

BILL RECEIVES ALL-PARTY SUPPORT

TORONTO - A bill to delay the repeal of the Edible Oil Products Act (EOPA) to January 1, 2005, received all-party support today. The EOPA was set for repeal on June 1, 2004.

"I appreciate the support we received from both opposition parties in getting this important piece of legislation passed," said Minister of Agriculture and Food Steve Peters. "This delay will prevent fraud and mislabeling of non-dairy products while we work to ensure regulations are in place to protect consumers and the dairy and edible oil industries."

The EOPA governs the manufacture, advertising and sale of edible oil products. A person who contravenes any provisions of the act or its regulations is liable to a maximum fine of $5,000 for each offence.

"We are pleased that the Ontario government is providing more time to make the regulatory changes needed to safeguard the integrity of dairy products for consumers," said Gord Coukell, Chair of Dairy Farmers of Ontario.

"We believe that a strong federal regulatory framework is the best approach," Peters said. "Such a framework should focus on fraud prevention and ensuring that consumers have the product information they need to make informed choices. It is our view that this regulatory framework should apply equally to all foods."

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