New food safety regulations inch closer to reality

 

 

The new Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations (SFCR) will come into effect in just a couple months. Anyone importing, exporting or handling food should understand how they will affect their business and take steps now to be prepared for the January 15th implementation date.

 

The key components of the regulations pertain to licensing, preventive controls and traceability. If you import food or prepare food for export out of Canada or between provinces and territories, be prepared ahead of time by reading the summaries below and following the links to the interactive tools.

 

Licensing

 

Food businesses that conduct any of the following activities will be required under the SFCR to obtain a licence:

 

• Import food
• Manufacture, process, treat, preserve, grade, package, or label food to be exported or sent across provincial or territorial borders
• Export food that requires an export certificate (even if not preparing the food)
• Slaughter food animals from which meat products are derived for export or to be sent across provincial or territorial borders
• Store and handle a meat product in its imported condition for inspection by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Use the CFIA’s Licensing interactive tool to find out if you will need a licence. CFIA recommends applying for a licence online before the regulations come into effect. See the CFIA’s main licensing page for links to the application process and further information on licensing requirements.

 

Preventive control plans

 

A Preventive control plan (PCP) is a written document that demonstrates how risks to food and food animals are identified and controlled. Use the CFIA’s PCP interactive tool to determine if you need to have one.

 

Some businesses that do not need a formal PCP may still need to meet preventive control requirements. Refer to the main PCP page for more information and to help determine if and how the preventive control requirements apply to your business.

 

Traceability

 

The ability to track a food product through the supply chain is a key step in maintaining food safety and in helping to ensure a timely and efficient response to any food safety issue.

 

Most food businesses (with the exception of restaurants and other similar businesses that sell food as meals or snacks) will be required to follow the new traceability requirements. See the Traceability interactive tool to check if traceability records will be required for your business.

 

If your company deals in food, make sure you’re ready for January 15th. Our customs consultants are at the ready to answer any questions and help you prepare for the changes on the way. 

 

 

Information provided by: Canadian Customs Dept. - Cole International