Business is constantly changing and so are the laws and regulations governing businesses. In this blog post, we’ll look at how the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is committed to ensuring the safety of Canada’s food supply. To that end, the CFIA is expanding the use of Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs) across the entire food industry.
The use of AMPs will help to ensure that regulated parties are held accountable for their actions and that food is transported safely to its destination. What does that mean for businesses? It means new food law and policy associations and pressure washing are here to stay.
The CFIA will be working with businesses to ensure that AMPs are used consistently across the country. The use of AMPs will help to ensure that food is handled safely and transported to its destination without risk to public health.
When are AMPs used?
AMPs can be issued for a number of reasons, including:
- not complying with a recall order
- not meeting food safety requirements
- transporting food that is not properly labelled
Can an individual receive an AMP?
Yes. An individual can be issued an AMP if they are found to be in contravention of the Food and Drugs Act or the Safe Foods for Canadians Act.
How often are AMPs used?
This will depend on the business and the severity of the infraction. The CFIA will work with businesses to ensure that AMPs are used consistently across the country.
Can regulated parties challenge an AMP?
Yes. Regulated parties can challenge an AMP through the Administrative Monetary Penalties Review Process. This process allows businesses to request a review of the decision to issue an AMP.
What is a compliance agreement?
A compliance agreement is a voluntary agreement between a business and the CFIA that outlines the steps that the business will take to come into compliance with food safety regulations.
Will CFIA publish the names of companies that receive AMPs?
The CFIA does not currently publish the names of companies that receive AMPs. However, this may change in the future.
If you are in the food business, then you know that food safety is of the utmost importance. Not only can failing to properly ensure food safety during transportation lead to fines and penalties, but it can also tarnish your reputation if clients and customers end up becoming ill due to a food-borne illness.
Food contaminated by viruses, bacteria, and parasites can make people extremely sick. This contamination can happen anywhere in the food production chain but can occur during distribution and transportation.
Health and safety guidelines
There are some simple steps you can take to ensure food safety during transportation, such as:
- Keep hot food hot and cold food cold. Use thermal containers or coolers with ice packs to keep food at the proper temperature.
- Transport food in clean, covered containers. Make sure your containers are clean and free of any contaminants before you put food in them.
- Keep raw meat and poultry separate from other food. Raw meat and poultry can contain harmful bacteria that can contaminate other food.
- Avoid cross-contamination. Keep food that is ready to eat separately from food that is not yet cooked.
By following these simple tips and the requirements of the CFIA, you can help ensure that the food you transport is safe for your clients and customers to eat.
If you have any questions about these amendments or best practices, or if you would like more information, please contact the CFIA.
