Newfoundland & Labrador: Changes to out-of-province milk limits for processors/producers

In late 2021, the government lowered the monthly import limit of pre-packaged milk coming into the province for processors and producers. The limit was lowered from five percent to three percent without consulting processors and retailers. The new limit will come into force in August 2022. The vast majority of milk coming into Newfoundland and Labrador from outside the province is lactose-free milk. Retailers have expressed concern that the government’s change may result in the demand for lactose-free milk outpacing supply. In conversations with RCC, government states that for years, the number of milk products imported from outside the province have not surpassed the pending three percent limit. However, processors argue that the popularity of lactose-free milk continues to grow and thus, could limit the ability of people with lactose intolerance from purchasing this product.

RCC will continue to raise this issue in the interest of ensuring adequate product choice for its customers.