Food safety violators face fines

Food-processing companies, including meat packers, egg graders, poultry processors and produce handlers, now face the possibility of fines for infractions and failures to meet standards.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced that “Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs) of up to $15,000 can now be issued for violations . . . that threaten food safety and market access for Canadian goods.”

The amendments to the Agriculture and Agri-Food Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations (AAAMPR) were published Wednesday in Canada Gazette Part II and are now in force. These apply to both businesses and individuals.

It's about time!