Food businesses encouraged to acquire Safe Food for Canadians Licences by Jan. 15
Food business owners across Canada can now apply for a licence under the new Safe Food for Canadians Regulations.
These regulations are aimed to protect Canadians by making the food system safer by focusing on prevention and allowing for faster removal of unsafe food from the marketplace.
Licences are available by accessing the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s online website. Food business owners are encouraged to apply for a licence now in order to be ready when the regulations come into force on Jan. 15. 2019. A Safe Food for Canadians licence costs $250. The license will be valid for two years.
“These regulations will simplify and strengthen rules for food in Canada, whether produced here or imported into the country. By putting the emphasis on prevention and faster removal of unsafe foods from the marketplace, the new rules will build on Canada’s world-class food safety system and go even further to protect Canadian families,” said Ginette Petitpas, federal minister of health.
Depending on the food commodity, type of activity, associated risks and business size, compliance with some of the new requirements will be necessary, immediately on Jan. 15. Others will be phased in over the next 12 to 30 months.
Sector-specific timelines can also be access on the CFIA website.
Businesses that export food products as of Jan. 15, 2019 will now need a licence if they need to obtain either an export certificate or certificate of free sale. “Maintaining and enhancing the quality of our exports is vital to achieving the Government of Canada’s trade target of growing agriculture and food exports to $85 billion by 2025. The Safe Food for Canadians Regulations are consistent with international food safety standards and will further enhance Canada’s food safety system while positioning food businesses to be more innovative and competitive, both at home and abroad,” said federal agricultural minister, Lawrence MacAulay. Businesses that export food products as of Jan. 15, will now need a licence if they need to obtain either an export certificate or certificate of free sale.
If a business currently has a registration or licence with the CFIA, that registration or licence will remain valid under the SFCR until it expires, even if the date of expiry of the renewed registration or licence occurs after Jan. 15, (provided there is a statement on it indicating that it is also a licence under the Safe Food for Canadians Act). Once expired, the business will be required to apply for a Safe Food for Canadians licence.