The presentation on Canada-U.S. regulatory initiatives on the CanadaGAP website has been updated to include the latest information about how CanadaGAP program requirements align with the final published text of the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR). The new regulations come into force on January 15, 2019.
The presentation puts into context for program participants:
- how CanadaGAP requirements line up with SFCR requirements
- how CanadaGAP’s Full Government Recognition positions the program as a “model system” to meet regulatory requirements
- the results of CFIA’s assessment of CanadaGAP under its Private Certification Policy
- and more.
The presentation also explains how CanadaGAP certification fits with regulatory initiatives in the U.S., including the Produce Safety Rule and the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP).
The updated CanadaGAP presentation can now be viewed at: https://www.canadagap.ca/publications/presentations/
The Food Safety Links webpage has also been updated to include links to more general information about the SFCR. Please visit https://www.canadagap.ca/audit-checklist/food-safety-links/ and click on “Canadian Government Resources” to access further information.
If you have any questions, contact the CanadaGAP office by emailing info@canadagap.ca or by calling 613-829-4711.
Dispute Resolution Corporation Membership Requirement
While the new regulations primarily address important food safety and traceability matters, the SFCR contains a significant trade and commerce element of particular interest to the produce industry. In coordination with the Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC), the sponsoring partner of this year’s CanAgPlus AGM, we would urge you to take note of the following regulatory developments.
Unless excepted from the new regulations, Canadian companies or individuals who buy, sell or negotiate the sale or purchase of fruits and vegetables inter-provincially and internationally will be required to be a member in good standing of the DRC.
If you are not a DRC member, it is important to determine if you require a membership in order to comply with the regulations.
A section of the DRC website is dedicated to the SFCR and includes background information, a list of exceptions and a self-assessment tool to help determine if you are subject to the regulatory requirement.
DRC offers members a common set of trading standards and member responsibilities that promote the fair and ethical trading of produce entering the North American marketplace, as well as a full range of mediation and arbitration services. In addition to fulfilling a regulatory requirement, a DRC membership is good business and provides an additional layer of risk management.
The DRC Help Desk is available to answer questions relating to membership and the implications of the new regulations at 613-234-0982.