Staying fresh: CFIA opens consultation on review of Safe Food for Canadians Act

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has opened its consultation on the review of the Safe Food for Canadians Act (SFCA or the Act). This is the first review of the SFCA since it came into force in 2019; the Act requires a review every five years. Stakeholders have until May 27, 2024, to provide their input.

The SFCA provides the legal basis for the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR), which consolidate 14 sets of previously existing food regulations under one umbrella and standardize inspection and enforcement powers across all food commodities. Implementing the SFCA was an important step in modernizing the government’s regulation of food, setting out a framework for improved controls on import, export and interprovincial trade, licensing, traceability and other requirements to ensure food safety. 

At this time, the CFIA is only soliciting feedback on the provisions and operation of the SFCA to determine if the Act is meeting its objectives; comments associated with the SFCR will only be considered if they relate to gaps or issues connected with the SFCA or any of its authorities. Stakeholders, including the food industry and industry associations, manufacturers/processors, distributors/retailers, importers, trading partners, and the general public are welcome to comment within the consultation period. Specific questions the CFIA is seeking feedback on can be found within the consultation document. 

If you are interested in submitting comments to the CFIA as part of this consultation, we would encourage you to reach out to a member of our food and agribusiness team.