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Customs &
Trade News

August 16, 2012

Ottawa consults on licensing and registration system for food importers

The Government of Canada released its draft model for transforming food inspection in Canada. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is proposing a single approach to food inspection for all regulated food commodities, either imported or produced domestically.

The draft food inspection model is based on feedback from discussions with inspectors and industry stakeholders as well as feedback on a recent discussion document called The Case for Change that outlined the rationale for modernizing inspection.

The CFIA is seeking comments from consumers and industry stakeholders until October 31, 2012 on the following aspects of the proposed draft model:

• a single licensing and registration requirement for those manufacturing, importing and/or exporting food for trade outside provincial borders,
• more consistent oversight and inspection across all regulated food commodities,
• a scaled approach that adapts to the size and complexity of businesses, and
• the distribution of more information to consumers about compliance and enforcement activities.

The CFIA is planning extensive outreach activities on this proposed model with its inspectors, consumer associations, industry, and federal, provincial and territorial government counterparts in the fall. The model will continue to be developed based on feedback that the Agency receives.

For additional information: Improved Food Inspection Model: Proposed Draft

Transport &
Trade News