Minister MacDonald announces science-based regulatory amendments that will make it easier for Canadian cattle processors to compete

Today, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, announced that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has pre-published proposed regulatory amendments in Canada Gazette, Part I to better align Canada’s Enhanced Feed Ban (EFB) with the United States.

Today, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, announced that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has pre-published proposed regulatory amendments in Canada Gazette, Part I to better align Canada’s Enhanced Feed Ban (EFB) with the United States.

The current EFB requirements were introduced in 2007 to advance Canada’s progress in reducing bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle. This meant that most mammalian proteins were banned from ruminant feed.

Thanks to the strength and effectiveness of our science-based animal health and food safety systems, Canada is recognized internationally as extremely low risk for BSE.

That is why the CFIA is proposing science-based regulatory amendments related to EFB harmonization to better align Canada’s requirements with those of the U.S. This change would reflect the low level of risk, while enhancing Canada’s competitiveness with the U.S.

All specified risk material (SRM), being cattle tissues that are capable of transmitting BSE if the cattle is diseased, will continue to be prohibited in food and ruminant feed to ensure the safety and integrity of Canada’s food supply. However, a subset of lower risk SRM could be eligible for use in non-ruminant feed, fertilizer and pet food. Based on the latest science, allowing certain eligible SRM to be used in this way would not increase Canada’s risk for BSE when our existing safeguards are maintained.  These proposed updates can provide industry with a reduced regulatory burden, while maintaining appropriate science and risk-based controls that protect Canada’s food and ruminant feed supplies and access to international markets.