News Briefs

OTTAWA - Statistics Canada says sales in the foodservice and drinking places subsector increased 3% to $7.4 billion in May, the highest monthly gain since the onset of the pandemic.

The agency says sales at drinking places rose 6.1%, while full-service restaurants recorded a 3.1% increase and limited-service restaurants nudged up 1.9%.

The category of special foodservices, which includes food caterers, food trucks and companies that supply food under contract such as through concessions, cafeterias or airlines, soared 8.1%.

Statistics Canada says each province reported higher sales as most had lifted restrictions by May.

Ontario reported the biggest increase in foodservice and drinking places sales at 3.8%, followed by Quebec at 3.5%.

The agency says unadjusted sales in May were up 62.2% compared with May 2021 and 12.7% compared with May 2019.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall for several Crave Stevia brand All Natural chocolate products because it may contain milk which is not declared on the label.

The recall covers Crave Stevia Almond All Natural Chocolate, Dark All Natural Chocolate, Mint All Natural Chocolate, Sea Salt All Natural Chocolate and Sprinkles All Natural Chocolate, which were sold in 80 and 85 gram packages.

It also includes Crave Stevia Chocolate Chips in 200 gram packages.

The recalled chocolate was sold in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, and may have been distributed in other provinces and territories.

It was also sold online.

There have been no reported reactions linked to the product.

The CFIA says it is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products.

-The Canadian Press

BRUSSELS (AP) - The European Union's executive branch proposed Wednesday a ban on the sale of flavoured heated tobacco products, including some vaping items, as part of its plan to fight cancer.

The European Commission said its proposal comes in response to a significant increase in the volume of such products sold across the 27-nation bloc.

A recent commission study showed a 10% increase in sales of heated tobacco products in more than five member nations, while heated tobacco products exceeded 2.5 % of total sales of tobacco products overall across the region.

The ban would not cover all vaping devices, only those delivering heated tobacco. Many e-cigarettes only contain nicotine.

"With nine out of 10 lung cancers caused by tobacco, we want to make smoking as unattractive as possible to protect the health of our citizens and save lives,'' said Stella Kyriakides, the commissioner for health and food safety.

According to EU figures, cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the bloc of 450 million residents. There are about 1.3 million cancer deaths and 3.5 million new cases per year in the EU.

An estimated 40% of EU citizens will face cancer at some point in their lives, with an annual economic impact estimated around 100 billion euros ($120 billion).

The European Commission previously said it wanted to ensure that less than 5% of the population uses tobacco by 2040.

The ban's proposal now goes to member nations and European Parliament lawmakers for review.

REGINA - A group of Canadian ranchers is calling for an investigation into meat pricing. The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association says it's asking the provincial and federal governments to look into what it calls an "imbalance'' between the price ranchers receive for the cattle and the price consumers pay at the meat counter. The group says many ranchers and feedlots are operating at a loss this year. Grass is still scarce on the Prairies due to last summer's drought, and the cost of feed grain and fuel has skyrocketed since last year. But packers and retailers are reporting strong profits this year. The Stock Growers say they believe slaughterhouses may be intentionally running fewer shifts to in order to keep wholesale beef prices high and allow fed cattle supplies to build up in the countryside. In the U.S., the Biden administration has already expressed concerns about rising meat prices and vowed to implement policies aimed at increasing competition in the meat-packing sector. According to Statistics Canada, the retail price of beef is up 11.2% year-over-year.

-The Canadian Press

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is recalling a number of different Enjoy Life brand bakery products because they may contain pieces of plastic.

The recall covers Enjoy Life Soft Baked Cookies in Snickerdoodle, Chocolate Chip and Double Chocolate Brownie flavours, Enjoy Life Chewy Bars — Chocolate Chip and Caramel and Enjoy Life Breakfast Ovals in Berry Medley and Chocolate Chip and Banana flavours.

The affected products were sold in 165g, 170g and 250g packages, with best before dates between Jan. 18 and Mar. 12, 2023.

The baked goods were sold nationally and online.

There have been no reported injuries linked to the products, and customers are being told to either throw them out, or return them to where they were purchased

The recall was triggered by a similar order in another country, and the CFIA says it is conducting a food safety investigation that could lead to the recall of other products.

- The Canadian Press

After a two-year hiatus, 7-Eleven Day is back this summer at 7-Eleven Canada .

On July 11th, customers are bring invited to visit their nearest 7-Eleven Canada location for a free small Slurpee or spend $20 on 7NOW for free Slurpee and delivery.

To mark the occasion, 7-Eleven is also dropping a new feature flavour – the Crush Cactus Catapult. Available now until the end of summer, the new flavour is a blend of orange and pineapple taste.

The Crush Cactus Catapult joins a full lineup of exclusive Slurpee flavour offerings – Frog Water, Blueberry Yuzu Lemonade, Orange Pineapple, and Dragon Fruit – only from Slurpee and at 7-Eleven Canada throughout summer.

“This is the biggest celebration of the year, and we’ve been eagerly preparing to bring the event back to our stores after two years of celebrating from a distance,” says Norman Hower, VP & GM of 7-Eleven Canada. “7-Eleven Day is a tradition for our customers so we’re incredibly excited to invite them to grab a refreshingly delicious Slurpee on us on our birthday."

In keeping with traditions, Manitoba has been crowned the Slurpee Capital of the World once again.

As part of the Slurpee Day comeback, 7-Eleven Canada is giving away seven prizes for one million 7Rewards points with the 7Rewards points bonanza – that’s equal to 1,000 free slurpee drinks or redeem points from a menu of free snacks, meals and drinks.