The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has embarked on a transformation and modernization agenda, propelled by the new Safe Food for Canadians Act that is focused on stronger food safety rules, more effective inspection, commitment to service and more information transparency for consumers.
In May 2014, CFIA published the latest framework for food inspection. To download this document, click here.
The Safe Food for Canadians Act is the cornerstone of CFIA’s agenda for change that is aimed at promoting safer food and better protection to optimize the health and safety of Canadians and make Canadian businesses more competitive globally.
Key change initiatives include:
- Inspection Modernization;
- Food Regulatory Modernization;
- Food Safety Action Plan’s Import Licensing;
- Compliance Promotion; and
- Food Labelling Modernization
View our ten-part series detailing the impact of CFIA’s modernization initiative on importers:
- Part 1 – Present & future
- Part 2 – Licensing
- Part 3 – Traceability
- Part 4 – Preventative Control Plan (PCP)
- Part 5 – Implementation timelines
- Part 6 – Labelling
- Part 7 – NRI Food Importer
- Part 8 – Exemptions and Exceptions – Present and Future
- Part 9 – Obtaining, licenses, permits, certificates and ministerial exemptions
- Part 10 – Timetable by food sectors
Livingston will continue to analyze the CFIA’s Imported Food Sector Regulatory Proposal, Inspection Modernization and Food Labelling Modernization programs to understand its potential impact on our clients. We’ll be updating our website regularly in the coming months as we learn more about the upcoming changes and how they may affect your business.
CFIA coming into force plan
| Registered Sector* | Fresh Fruit and Vegetables | Non-Registered* | ||
| CFIA Federal Licensing |
January 15, 2019 | January 15, 2019 | July 15, 2020 | |
| Preventative Control Plan |
January 15, 2019 | January 15, 2020 | July 15, 2020 | |
| – Minimal changes for industry |
– No substantive food safety provisions- FDA applies | – Most change for industry- FDA applies |
*Includes new export requirements for these products.
NOTICE:
The Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) came into force on January 15, 2019. To help food businesses and industry associations prepare, the CFIA held a series of SFCR webinars.
If you were unable to join a live session, the pre-recorded webinar is available online.
The 30-minute webinar provides an overview of key elements of the SFCR and My CFIA. The session also covers important timelines for coming into force and information on the ongoing CFIA activities to prepare for the implementation of the regulations.
Visit the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations webpage to learn more.