Market Assessments and Novel Ingredients

International Food Focus Ltd

International Food Focus offers expertise in the following areas:

  • Services apply to the following jurisdictions: Canada, USA, EU

  • Agri-food regulatory compliance

  • Regulatory impact studies and market assessments

  • Training and professional development

  • Project management and project lead

 
Carol T. Culhane

Carol T. Culhane

Carol T. Culhane

President, International Food Focus Ltd.

Carol T. Culhane, PHEc, CFS, MBA, is President of International Food Focus Ltd. which provides regulatory compliance services, food science and nutrition expertise and marketplace validation to the agri-food and allied industries. The firm’s geographical scope includes Canada, the US and the EU; clients comprise both large and small organizations in the private sector, as well as in the academic, healthcare, media, not-for-profit and judicial sectors. The spectrum of services ranges from pre-commercialization considerations, such as assembly of scientific dossiers to demonstrate safety and efficacy of a novel ingredient (new additive, novel fibre, novel food, new infant formula, new animal feed supplement) to a regulator (Health Canada, FDA, EFSA, CFIA) to post-commercialization (processed and labelled food) requirements such as composition compliance, label information compliance and alignment of marketing materials with regulatory requirements. Expertise and interests extend beyond food to include dietary supplements (USA), Natural Health Products (Canada), nutritional supplements (the EU), and animal feed nutritional supplements. Carol is a Professional Home Economist, a Certified Food Scientist, and holds an MBA from the University of Ottawa and a Certificate in International Food Law from Michigan State University. In addition to providing organizations with path-finding insight and strategic recommendations, Carol conducts webinars and seminars on various aspects of both American and Canadian food law to members of the North American food industry. In a volunteer capacity, Carol is a Food Science Communicator for the Chicago-based IFT (Institute of Food Technology). She is a Past President of the Ontario Home Economics Association and is currently completing a term as Treasurer of the Cabbagetown Business Improvement Area, a taxpayer funded organization dedicated to economic enhancement of local businesses. Carol’s contribution to the food industry and community was recognized in June 2000 when she was awarded the "Women in Pursuit of Excellence - Entrepreneur of the Year 1999" by Women in Food Industry Management. In 2015, Carol was awarded the OHEA Founder’s Award, in recognition of outstanding and sustained volunteer contributions to OHEA and the broader community.