July 24, 2014

Canada implements fines for meat safety breeches

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has amended its regulations, making it possible to fine meat processors for violations of food safety programmes including Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) and non-food safety issues such as labeling and consumer protection.

The AMPs Act 1995 provides authority to issue penalties for violations of a variety of agriculture and food acts such as the Feeds Act, the Fertilisers Act, the Health of Animals Act, the Plant Protection Act and the Meat Inspection Act. The AMPs have been phased in for these acts over the years.

The new Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs) apply to 84 provisions of the Meat Inspection Act (MIA) and the Meat Inspection Regulations (MIR) and will be used when a licensed operator fails to "take timely and effective action on non-compliance."

The fines can range from CAD500 to CAD10,000 (US$466.26 to US$9324.81), depending on the severity of the offense, intent and compliance history.

Companies could be fined if they fail to develop, implement and maintain control programmes and procedures as described by HACCP; fail to possess and maintain equipment and material necessary to operate; or fail to develop, implement or maintain a written sanitation programme.