Michi Furuya Chang, MHSc, RD

Reporting to the CEO, represents and advocates for the common interests of food, health and consumer products manufacturer members that collectively fill 80% of Canadian grocery stores, from global leaders like Pepsi-Co, Danone and General Mills to small local food producers from coast to coast to coast on critical business issues. Advocating to reduce Canada’s regulatory burden to spur economic development and national food security while maintaining high standards for nutrition, safety and public health. Leading the divisional growth strategy of FHCP, developing new revenue streams while delivering more bespoke support of needs of members. Working with the CEOs and subject matter experts to determine and advance industry priorities in sustainability. Plays leadership role in the development and execution of the association's vision, mission, and strategy. Advocates for effective, evidence-based public policy, providing industry thought leadership, and developing talent. Drives the strategic planning and advocacy strategy (including as media spokesperson) on current and past issues such as advertising to children restrictions, front-of-pack labelling, and the critical need for regulatory modernization to create an enabling business operating environment that promotes growth, innovation, and trade competitiveness. Mobilizes and galvanizes collaboration and innovation across all sectors – inter-association, health professional associations, academia and government. Provides strategic and operational oversight of FHCP’s Plant-Based Foods Council of Canada (PBFC) Division. Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Supply Chain Food Safety Coalition and lecturer at the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Public Health Sciences.

Led Kraft Canada advocacy efforts to inform government public policy initiatives and partnerships to progress regulatory modernization for the food, health and consumer products sectors. Led the Canadian enterprise Special Situations and Crisis Management team in interfacing with government during a crisis (public health outbreak/ pandemic such as SARS, or product recalls) and leading the company corrective action plan and resolution. Directly contributed to company growth and innovation by maximizing extensive experience and successfully negotiating the approvals of new product opportunities with government.

Held a global role in advancing Kraft Foods’ interests globally before the World Health Organization's Codex Alimentarius to advocate for the creation and harmonization of food standards that promote fair trade without compromising consumer health or safety. Led the creation of product nutrition profiles for the Canadian enterprise that would adhere to the WHO standards for all new product launches. As a result, Kraft was recognized by the WHO as a collaborator and contributor to its global Health and Wellness strategy.

Represented and negotiated on behalf of the Canadian food and beverage industry during the largest overhaul of food and drug regulations in Canadian history as Chair of Food, Health and Consumer Products of Canada’s Policy & Regulatory Affairs Council. Through that leadership, the resulting Health Canada Food and Drug Regulations – Mandatory Nutrition Labelling regulations became more practical and flexible from functionally unworkable, and continue today as the standard for package nutrition labeling.