The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has published its Private Certification Policy (Food Safety), which was based on stakeholder feedback.
This policy will enable the CFIA to enhance its risk-based oversight by considering private certification schemes as one of several factors when planning its activities, and allow the Agency to target its inspection activities in areas of high risk.
Private certification schemes are formal, documented food safety systems that are developed and administered by the private sector. The policy does not require a change of regulations and does not replace regulatory oversight. The CFIA will continue to verify compliance with regulatory requirements.
The CFIA will not recognize or endorse any private certification schemes. All private certification schemes will be assessed individually. An establishment certified by a private certification scheme that the CFIA has assessed may see adjustments in inspection frequencies as the Agency focuses on areas of greatest risk. Industry remains responsible for choosing certification schemes that suit their needs.
For more information on the policy, please contact:
Program Policy Integration Division
Program Regulatory and Trade Policy Directorate Policy and Programs Branch, CFIA