GHY Tradelines

(CFIA)

As part of CFIA’s ongoing efforts to improve client service please be advised that CFIA will be performing network maintenance/upgrades on Sunday May 19, 2013, between 02:00 AM & 06:00 AM (EST).

Consequently, the following services will not be available for a short period, which may result in a slight delay in processing transactions:

Automated Import Reference System (AIRS)
AIRS Verification System (AVS)
Automated Shipment Inspection Status Search Tool (ASISST)
inspection.gc.ca Website
 

(Sylvain Charlebois – Globe & Mail)

Cuts are looming again at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The federal food safety regulator is facing cuts exceeding 15%, and many employees may lose their jobs over the next three years. At first glance, these cuts may seem extreme, but it appears that Canada is following a global trend of doing less with less in food safety risk management.

Most Canadian consumers are not aware that the federal government spends almost $400-million annually on food safety annually, a higher amount, per capita, than most other industrialized nations. The CFIA now employs more than 7,000 people. As a result of subsequent food safety crises we experienced over the last decade, such as mad cow in 2003, listeria in 2008, and most recently with XL Foods in 2012, our food safety surveillance costs have increased substantially. This all happened without having a full understanding of how efficient our food safety systems were. We simply do not know what the financial threshold is in terms of managing risks across the food industry in Canada. Before investing more, we should know how much we need to spend before making more changes. Read more here.
 

Attached is a second information package directed at prospective Authorized Seed Crop Inspection Services (ASCIS) and Licensed Seed Crop Inspectors (LSCI) for the alternative service delivery (ASD) of seed crop inspection.  Although information provided in this second package builds on information in the first package (November 15, 2012), key changes have been made to the ASD model and therefore some information in the first package is no longer relevant.

Applications for licensing as an ASCIS or LSCI are requested by April 22nd, 2013.

If there are any questions or comments, please email SeedSemence@inspection.gc.ca.
 

(CFIA)

Directive D-95-03 “Plant protection policy for marine vessels arriving to Canada from areas regulated for Asian gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar, Lymantria albescens, Lymantria postalba, Lymantria umbrosa has been revised to expand the list of regulated pests to include Lymantria albescens, Lymantria postalba, Lymantria umbrosa and the Asian strains of Lymantria dispar, together commonly called Asian gypsy moth (AGM). The time period required for vessels to provide certification, prior to entering Canada, has been shortened. The International Plant-quarantine Accreditation Board (IPAB) was recognized as the sole source of pre-departure certification as of March 1st, 2012 for the Republic of Korea. Appendix 3 has been amended to reflect this. The list of CFIA contacts and designated offshore inspection sites in Eastern and Western Canada for Asian gypsy moth has been added as Appendix 4.

This directive will be available for consultation until the 8th of April 2013. Please send all your comments to IAS.EEE@inspection.gc.ca.
 

(CFIA)

Please be advised that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is currently experiencing issues with Digital Document Store (DDS) and are currently working on a solution. Please note there may be a slight delay (30 minutes- 1 hour) in processing import documentation.

During this time clients are instructed to continue to send requests to (613) 773-9999. Import Service Centre (ISC) will continue to process requests.
 

(The Canadian Press)

The federal government has launched a review of the E. coli outbreak last fall that sickened 18 people and led to the largest beef recall in Canadian history.

The review is to focus on what contributed to the outbreak of the potentially deadly bacteria at the XL Foods Inc. plant in Brooks, Alta. It will also look at how well the Canadian Food Inspection Agency performed, including why tainted meat was distributed to retailers and sold to consumers.

Agriculture Canada said the review will be conducted by an independent panel of experts who are to hand in a report with recommendations to improve food safety.

“We take the safety of Canada’s food supply very seriously and we remain committed to the continuous improvement of Canada’s strong food safety systems,” Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz said in a news release Friday evening. Read more here.
 

(CFIA)

Canada and the United States sign agreement on animal disease zoning

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced today that Canada and the United States intend to recognize each other’s zoning measures during highly contagious foreign animal disease outbreaks. Read more here.
 

(CBC News)

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is reorganizing its delivery of expert advice to producers and consumers.

Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced the changes Monday at a CFIA lab in Saskatoon, noting the government will create 16 information hubs for farmers, fishers and foresters needing advice on growing and selling their products.

Ritz explained that people in the various sectors want a more co-ordinated source of information, especially when it comes to trade rules and food safety. “What this does is gives industry and even consumers an opportunity to call in and ask questions from the experts in certain fields,” Ritz said. Read more here.
 

Lifting of ISPM No. 15 exemption by USDA-APHIS

USDA-APHIS authorities advise the status quo for unmarked WPM remains in effect for 2013. The CFIA also confirm that USDA-APHIS are moving forward with the proposed rule to lift the current exemption from International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM No. 15)  requirements for unmarked WPM originating in and moving between Canada and the United States. However, as the final regulation has yet been approved and with minimum implementation and enforcement requirements to provide stakeholders adequate time to prepare, no action will be taken before 2014 at earliest and full implementation will not likely occur before 2015.

Please note, with respect to the status quo for unmarked WPM originating in and moving between Canada and the United States, the CFIA recommends and reminds industry that a declaration or statement of origin for the unmarked WPM should be made on shipping documents to allow Customs to readily verify their origin. This is particularly important if the goods in the shipment are of a non-U.S/Canadian foreign origin and/or the shipment contains both marked and unmarked WPM. Shipments may be delayed or not approved for release if Customs is unable to verify the origin of the WPM at the border.

The following are examples, provided by the CFIA, of what to write/type (as applicable) on shipping documents when exporting and importing commodities containing WPM between the U.S. and Canada:
• ” the unmarked wood packaging in the shipment is of Canadian origin”;
• ” the unmarked wood packaging in the shipment is of Canadian and US origin”;
• ” the unmarked wood packaging in the shipment is of US origin”; and
• if all of the WPM (in a shipment) is unmarked, shippers could more simply state, as applicable:  ” the wood packaging in the shipment is of Canadian origin”.

D98-08 Entry Requirements for Wood Packaging Material into Canada

Both the CBSA and CFIA confirm that directive D98-08 Entry Requirements for Wood Packaging Material into Canada has been revised and is mainly to establish new requirements for increased pest entry risks resulting from the commingling of compliant and non-compliant wood dunnage while onboard and upon vessel discharge. The August 7, 2012 effective date is delayed while CBSA and CFIA determine how the requirements will be implemented at the border. Officers of both agencies are instructed to maintain the status quo until discussions and details are finalized in 2013. We are advised the revised directive will be posted on the CFIA website, along with import and border inspection procedure changes announced in advance of implementation, with sufficient time for industry to make any necessary adjustments.
 

(CFIA)

As the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) continues to seek and review comments to its  draft directives, “D-12-04 Phytosanitary import requirements for grain of field crops including pulses, oilseeds, cereals (other than barley, oat, rye, triticale, and wheat), forages and other special crops from all origins except the continental United States” and “D-12-05 Phytosanitary import requirements for grain of field crops including pulses, oilseeds, cereals (other than barley, oats, rye, triticale, and wheat), forages, and other special crops from the continental United States”, the CFIA has decided to further provide industry and trading partners opportunity to comment beyond the previously communicated February 15, 2013 date. During this time, the CFIA will continue to dialogue with industry and stakeholders.

The CFIA remains committed to protecting Canada’s environment and agricultural sector from the impact of quarantine pests, including weeds. Recognizing the potential impact of these proposed directives, while trying to minimize any burden to industry, the CFIA is proposing a risk-based approach to the implementation to protect Canada from the introduction of invasive weeds and insects.  The introduction of these pests can have a negative impact on Canada’s agricultural sector in terms of increased input costs (such as pest control, including herbicide/insecticide), reduced yields and loss of export markets.

The CFIA plans to consult specifically with stakeholders to ensure better understanding and potential impacts to this innovative approach. In the coming weeks, the CFIA will be providing more detailed explanations of its proposed risk-based approach and will be seeking your comments. It would be further appreciated if you could distribute this message to members of your association who may not have had an opportunity to provide comments as part of the initial comment phase.

A closing date for the comment period as well as an implementation date will be announced at a later date based on comments received by CFIA.

The draft plant health directives related to grain and oilseeds will be posted on CFIA’s website in the coming weeks. If you are interested to receive notifications from the CFIA on grains and oilseeds plant health directives, we encourage you to subscribe to the list serve by following this link.
 

The requirements for imports of aquatic animals (finfish, molluscs, and crustaceans) into Canada are changing.

Beginning December 10, 2012, aquatic animals listed on Schedule III of the Health of Animals Regulations will require an import permit to enter the country. This measure is aimed at protecting Canada’s aquatic animal resources.

The enforcement of these new requirements will be phased in and will come into effect either on December 10, 2012, February 4, 2013 or April 8, 2013 depending on the specific end uses and the applicable codes.
 

(Tom Karst — The Packer)

Providing more control over imports and boosting traceability expectations, Canada’s new food safety law is expected to bring new requirements to fresh produce operators in the U.S. and Canada.

The Canadian House of Commons has approved Canada’s new federal food safety law Bill S-11 on Nov. 26, and the plan was passed earlier by the Canadian Senate. It will become effective after the formality of “Royal Assent” is given.

In a summary of the new law, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency summarizes the major features of the law, which is focused on improved food safety oversight, streamlined legislative authorities and enhanced international market opportunities.

The law appears to be similar to the U.S. Food Safety Modernization Act, said David Acheson, former Food and Drug Administration associate commissioner for food protection and partner in Leavitt Partners, Washington, D.C.

“The potential risk on the U.S. side is what they are going to do about their import controls?” Acheson said. Read more here.
 

As a result of input from various national trade associations, the CFIA has extended the comment period on the Phytosanitary requirements for imported grain and legumes until February 15, 2013.

This applies to draft directives,“D-12-04 Phytosanitary import requirements for grain of field crops including pulses, oilseeds, cereals (other than barley, oat, rye, triticale, and wheat), forages and other special crops from all origins except the continental United States” and “D-12-05 Phytosanitary import requirements for grain of field crops including pulses, oilseeds, cereals (other than barley, oats, rye, triticale, and wheat), forages, and other special crops from the continental United States.”

In addition, the enforcement date of December 1, 2012 has been cancelled. A new date may be established once comments from industry have been reviewed in 2013.
 

Effective December 1, 2012 the CFIA will require either a phytosanitary certificate or an import permit for the import of a variety of grains from the U.S. and foreign countries. Grain shipments impacted are those for direct human or animal consumption, those imported for further processing for human consumption or animal feed or research, education and testing. Grains regulated include: rice, soya beans, peanuts, legumes [peas, beans, lentils etc.], canola, corn, and mustard.

D-12-05 describes the requirements for grain shipments originating from the U.S. and D-12-04 the requirements for shipments originating from foreign countries other than the U.S.
 

(CFIA)

Please be advised that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) continues to experience issues with Digital Document Store (DDS) and are currently working on a solution. There is presently no delay in processing release requests or import documentation at this time.

During this time clients are instructed to continue to send requests to (905) 795-9658.
 

(CFIA)

Four CFIA programs have regulatory requirements for an original document to be presented to CFIA during the import process. The programs are: Animal Health, Plant Health, Meat Hygiene and Egg Programs. The importer or their representative broker is responsible to provide the CFIA National Import Service Centre (NISC) with the Original Meat Inspection Certificate (OMIC) for meat shipments with a “skip lot” status. The Certificates must be sent within 10 working days of the release. Original Phytosanitary Certificates must be sent to the NISC within 14 calendar days.

Documents should not be forwarded to CFIA district offices. It is the importer/broker’s responsibility to forward the original certificates directly to NISC at the following address:

National Import Service Centre
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
1050 Courtney Park Drive East
Mississauga, Ontario  L5T 2R4
 

(Calgary Herald – Jamie Komarnicki)

Days after a beef processing plant shuttered by an E. coli scare resumed slaughtering cattle under new management, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has raised new safety concerns at the facility.

The move suggests the XL Foods plant’s new managers – meat-packing giant JBS-USA – could face tough decisions on infrastructure upgrades as the facility gets back to running at full speed under the close watch of federal inspectors, a food safety expert said Sunday.

“Over the long run, I suspect management over at XL Foods in Brooks will need to recognize that the plant needs a complete overhaul. It needs to be modernized,” said Sylvain Charlebois, University of Guelph professor in food distribution and policy.

“With the dollar at par, it’s the perfect time for any company to invest in improving its facilities and buy technology out of the U.S., import new machines to improve productivity. Read more and/or watch video here.
 

(CTV News)

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says that XL Foods has met all the necessary requirements and has been given the go-ahead to resume operations.

The plant in Brooks had its licence suspended in September after E. coli was discovered by meat inspectors and later linked to 16 cases of illness across the country

The CFIA says the facility will gradually ramp up to full operating capacity. “Based on a full range of observations and testing we are confident that all issues have been fully addressed. We have provided that assurance to the minister,” said Paul Mayers, CFIA Associate VP of Programs. “Effective today the CFIA has reinstated the facilities operating licence.” Read more here.
 

(CFIA)

The Safe Food for Canadians Act, S-11, reached a key milestone today as it was adopted by the Senate. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Senator Donald Plett highlighted the Safe Food for Canadians Act and the importance of passing it expeditiously so the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has more tools and resources to help keep Canadian food safe. […]

Tabled in the Senate last spring, the Safe Food for Canadians Act modernizes and enhances the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s approach to food safety. The new Act when adopted, will deliver more consistent inspection and enforcement authorities to the CFIA. Read more here.
 

(CFIA)

This notice is to remind importers and brokers that phase 10 implementation of the changes to import notification requirements for products in the non-federally registered food sector will come into effect on October 29, 2012.

Annex 1 of the Notice to Importers and Brokers – Phase 10 on the CFIA website has been updated to include the OGD extension codes for the commodities relevant to this phase.

Click here for the notice.