We have, for some time now, been offering updates on the status of the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations. The final version was released last month, and will come into effect on January 15, 2019.

In a previous blog post, we noted that the new regulations contain three main components:

• Licensing
• Preventative Control Planning
• Traceability.

According to Canadian Food Inspection Agency representatives, food manufacturers and importers should begin the licensing application process as soon as possible, rather than wait until January.

Registered food manufacturers (such as meat and egg producers) from the U.S. and abroad who import food into Canada will be able to procure their license online now;  there may be a delay for unregistered food manufacturers and processed food manufacturers, although both should be able to apply for their license in the very near future. (Note that businesses importing through a broker will also need to apply for a license, to ensure proper contact in the event of product recall.)

A full timeline for the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations is available here. This will help your business make a transition plan that will ensure compliance.

We strongly recommend that U.S. and international food manufacturers and importers stay connected to the CFIA to ensure access to the most up-to-date information. And we will, of course, continue posting updates on our blog as they become available. (Feel free to contact us for a copy of our Safe Foods data sheet.)

View our disclaimer.