New Safe Food for Canadians Regulations and what they mean for you
Canada is recognized for having one of the strongest food safety systems in the world. But in attempt to strengthen its already world-class system, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has introduced new regulations. As of January 15, 2019, the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations are in effect.
What are the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations?
The Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) require food businesses to follow a new set of prevention-focused food safety rules. These regulations require businesses to have preventive control plans and traceability protocols in place to address potential food safety risks.
Here are three fundamental elements of the SFCR that will impact food chain supply businesses:
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Preventative Controls
The new regulations now require all food companies to develop, implement and maintain preventative control plans to demonstrate how they meet food safety, humane treatment, consumer protection and labelling requirements, among others. By implementing these regulations, the government is showing their support for the end customer while also creating an even playing field for all food companies, big and small.
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Traceability
The Safe Food for Canadians Regulations aim to improve product traceability. At minimum, companies must be able to tell the government/CFIA where their product is coming from and where it’s going. This will facilitate quick, efficient removal of product from the market in the event it is necessary.
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Licensing
The Safe Food for Canadians Regulations will require businesses to have a license to import, export, and trade food across provincial or territorial boundaries. This will allow regulators to collect more info on the food supply chain and have better control of where products are coming from and where they’re going.
What does this mean for VersaCold?
For VersaCold, the new legislation is great news. The government will now better regulate what we’ve already been working towards: ensuring the safety, quality and freshness of the food families eat. We continue to provide export, import, and co-packing solutions to our customers.
As market leaders with more than 75% of our facilities BRC-certified, VersaCold is already miles ahead. The regulations actually open the door for VersaCold to expand our services and embrace further opportunities for industry leadership. So while some companies might be concerned about what the regulations mean for them, we’re already ahead of the game.
As some companies attempt to step up to the plate and change their ways, the new regulations are giving VersaCold even more confidence in our already high food safety standards.
Why is this important for our consumers?
The new regulations will also give Canadians an added boost of confidence in the food they buy and consume. Whether made locally or imported from afar, consumers can be certain that their food has gone through a rigorous process to ensure safety and quality.
Moses Akingbade, Director of Quality Management Systems at VersaCold, says the regulations are really about putting more responsibility on businesses to prevent—or at minimum, limit—food safety risk. As businesses begin to comply with these new rules, he sees them as an opportunity to share VersaCold’s story. “We’ve already been doing this. We’ve been prepared for this, so VersaCold is in a great place.”
VersaCold has always been committed to the safety, quality and freshness of the food families eat. These new standards are just another opportunity to show our commitment. And another reason to be confident that your food matters to VersaCold.
Want to learn more about VersaCold and our services? Reach out to our team at sales@versacold.com. And for more information on the new Safe Food for Canadians Regulations, visit the CFIA’s website.
