Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has published updated information on Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) import requirements for fruits and vegetables.
The following document was recently updated: Coming into force of certain SFCR requirements – Fresh fruit or vegetables.
The timetable now reflects an extended phase-in period for the requirement to apply a lot code on consumer prepackaged fresh fruits or vegetables (FFV) at time of sale at retail. This requirement will apply as of January 15, 2020, to align with the coming into force of a similar requirement for persons who grow and harvest FFV.
Use the timetable to find out when you will need to comply with those requirements of the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) related to licensing, preventive control plans (PCP), preventive controls and traceability.
The timeframes can vary based on your business activity and level of trade. Refer to the activities that apply to your business to determine the relevant dates. The « X » is used to indicate when the requirements are not applicable or not required.
If you have a valid registration under the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Regulations that expires after January 15, 2019, it will remain valid under the SFCR, if it contains the following statement:
“This registration _______, licence _______, permit _______ or authorization is also a licence that is issued under the Safe Food for Canadians Act upon its commencement day.”
However, if the registration will expire before January 15, 2019, continue the normal process to renew your registration. Your registration will continue to be valid until its expiry date.
For more information, refer to section 2 of What to consider before applying for a Safe Food for Canadians licence.
Visit the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations webpage to learn more.