An attack on Canada's food processing industry is building and that could cost Essex County jobs if the legislation is passed in parliament.

A bill under consideration in Ottawa would repeal the law that regulates the sizes of packaged foods, particular canned goods, sold in Canada and adopt American formats.

The move would streamline canning and package so the sizes would be the same on both sides of the border.

Most food products are packaged in larger sizes in Canada, which leaves some concerned that companies would simply move production to the United States instead of retool their plants.

"The number two economic producer next to automotive is [agriculture] business and we've been under tough scrutiny with our food processors over the years. This could be the last nail into the coffin," said Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara.

McNamara said the legislation would hurt the area, which is home to the Bonduelle vegetable plant and Leamington's Heinz plant.

"That would be devastating to us," said McNamara. "So that would mean either all the production lines would have to be redone and at a very, very high cost to the producers and many of those contract from the big multinationals that are based in United States."

Local politicians are considering their options to fight the proposed legislation by lobbying local MPs and MPPs.