TORONTO — Manchu Wok has launched its new Wasabi Grill and Noodle concept as part of the renovated North York City Centre food court in North York, Ont.

The new Japanese concept is designed in a black and red modern sleek design with high-end finishings and numerous digital menu boards.

OTTAWA — The Alberta-based XL Foods beef plant, which was at the centre of what’s reported to be the largest beef recall in Canadian history, has been granted permission to immediately resume shipments to the U.S.

On Dec. 7, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) informed the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) that Establishment 38, XL Foods Inc., had been re-listed, allowing the company to resume exports.

TORONTO — As the idea of instituting a food tax in Ontario is debated, Phyllis Tanaka, registered dietitian and VP for Food & Consumer Products of Canada (FCPC), is asserting that food tax is not the solution to combating obesity.

“Obesity is a complex issue with no one cause and no one solution. The food and beverage industry has been engaged, helping Canadians adopt healthy active lifestyles by investing in and promoting more healthful products, developing community wellness programs and teaching consumers how to read and understand nutrition information. Let's be very clear — food is not tobacco. Tobacco has no place in a healthy, balanced lifestyle. A tax on food and beverages is nothing but a tax grab that will hurt lower- and middle-income Ontarians the most.” Phyllis Tanaka wrote in a statement.

EDMONTON — Pizza 73, a West Coast-based pizza chain and subsidiary of Pizza Pizza, has introduced four gluten-free pizzas at its 72 locations in Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.

“We’re dedicated to offering a diverse menu selection to all customer groups,” said Pat Finelli, chief marketing officer for Pizza 73/Pizza Pizza.