August 25, 2020
Alberta, Canada's new meat inspection regulations opposed by unions
While producers have praised Alberta's new meat inspection regulations, union groups are concerned that the regulations could lead to sales of tainted meat, the Edmonton Journal reported.
The Alberta government announced in end-July that direct farm to consumer sales will be allowed under new inspection regulations, as long as a whole animal is sold to a single customer and it must be slaughtered on farms.
The government also announced pre-slaughter video inspections, along with meat byproducts to be salvaged and sold by provincially licensed facilities.
However, The Syndicat Agriculture Union, representing Canadian Food Inspection Agencies workers have opposed the new changes as it could allow for tainted meat to be sold by shady producers.
Jim Thompson, a union spokesman said there is no guarantee that the meat sold to consumers is actual beef, adding that producers should welcome inspection regulators to ensure food safety and their reputation.
Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture said the new regulations come with restrictions, and inspections must still be carried out on any meat sold through the food supply chain such as through slaughterhouses and retail.
Dreeshen said the new regulations mirror neighbouring provinces, adding that producers must attain a license for slaughters on-farm.
One producer, Ian Greibel welcomed the government's amendment of the regulations, and voiced surprised that the government would introduce a deregulation. Greibel said on-farm slaughter is more ethical and allows for a natural death for cattle compared to slaughterhouses.
Greibel said while there may be a risk of diseases, the changes give producers and consumers an opportunity to connect, so consumers know that they are purchasing quality meat.
The Alberta government is also permitting the sale of animal byproducts by abattoirs to consumers for use at pet food or wildlife bait.
- Edmonton Journal
