The new Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) are in effect as of January 15, 2019.
The SFCR replaces 14 sets of food regulations and applies to all businesses who import or export food and food products, as well as those who prepare food and food products to be sent between provinces or territories. Some requirements of the SFCR must be met immediately as of January 15, 2019 while others will be phased in over a period of 12-30 months. In general, a license is not required for food sold and consumed within your province.
Under the SFCR, some food businesses will be required to apply for the 'Safe Food for Canadians' license through the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). You can find out if your business requires a license by answering a few questions through the CFIA's online Licensing Interactive Tool. You can also find the complete guide to all food business activities that require a license here.
Those that require licenses can apply through CFIA's online portal, My CFIA. A license costs $250 and is valid for two years.
In addition to the licensing, the SFCR also requires businesses to implement preventative food safety controls and prepare and keep traceability records depending on the food commodity, activity and gross annual food sales. You may also be required to keep a written Preventative Control Plan. You can use the Preventative Control Plan and Traceability Interactive Tools to find out.
For businesses currently holding a license or registration under the Canada Agricultural Products Act, the Fish Inspection Act or the Meat Inspection Act, it will remain valid until expiration, as long as it includes statement that it is also a licence issued under the SFCA. Once expired, food businesses will need to apply for a 'Safe Food for Canadians'licence under the SFCR.
For further details and information on the new regulations, please visit the official CFIA webpage.
For information and resources on insurance and risk management for your business, please contact a CapriCMW Risk Advisor.
