On July 15, 2020, new requirements relating to licensing, preventive controls and traceability under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) begin to apply to businesses in the manufactured food sector.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) understands that this remains a difficult time for some businesses in the manufactured food sector as they continue to struggle with challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The CFIA activities and priorities regarding industry compliance during the pandemic remain the same as announced in April. Any change to the CFIA’s prioritization of compliance and enforcement activities with regard to the SFCR will be announced with adequate lead time once the situation allows. The CFIA will continue to support businesses in their efforts to comply with relevant legislation, including the SFCR.
Businesses are still expected to meet requirements of the Food and Drugs Act and the Food and Drug Regulations, as well as other SFCR requirements that were applicable prior to July 15, 2020, including those related to food safety, exports, packaging and labelling.
In the event of a food safety issue, the CFIA will take action to protect consumers. This may include recalling, seizing or detaining food products and using other enforcement and control measures.
Until then, the CFIA encourage businesses in this sector to review and, where possible, take steps to meet new licensing, preventive control and traceability requirements of the SFCR.
To support businesses in these efforts, the CFIA has made improvements to the Toolkit for food businesses and has launched a food business requirements virtual assistant to help them find key information and resources on CFIA website.
Businesses are encouraged to consult the COVID-19: CFIA information for industry section of the website for regular updates.
