The Canadian government has released its draft model for improving food inspection. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is proposing a single approach to food inspection that will provide consistent and appropriate oversight across all regulated food commodities — either imported or produced domestically.
The draft food inspection model is based on feedback from discussions with inspectors and industry stakeholders, as well as feedback on a recent discussion document called The Case for Change that outlined the rationale for modernizing inspection.
The agency is seeking comments from consumers and industry stakeholders until October 31 on the following aspects of the proposed draft model:
- A single licensing and registration requirement for those manufacturing, importing and/or exporting food for trade outside provincial borders;
- More consistent oversight and inspection across all regulated food commodities;
- A scaled approach that adapts to the size and complexity of the business; and
- The distribution of more information to consumers about compliance and enforcement activities.
The agency is planning extensive outreach activities on this proposed model with its inspectors, consumer associations, industry, and federal, provincial and territorial government counterparts. The model will continue to be developed based on feedback that the agency receives.
