Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Feds change pig traceability rules


 The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is making minor changes to its enforcement of pig traceability.

“New amendments to the Agriculture and Agri-Food Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations allow persons designated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to issue notices of violation to those who do not comply with mandatory federal pig identification and movement tracking requirements,” the CFIA says on its website.

“These amendments mean that violations may not only be handled with a letter of non-compliance or prosecution, but also with notices of violation with or without monetary penalties. 

“In addition, the regulations have also been amended to stipulate that anyone receiving animals not bearing an approved tag is no longer subject to monetary penalties.

“These amendments are published in Canada Gazette, Part II and came into force on August 2, 2016.

“All pig and wild boar farmers, custodians of pigs (including operators of auction markets, transporters, and breeders) and pet owners are reminded to properly identify, keep records and report the movement of these animals under their care or control.”


"The CFIA is responsible for enforcing traceability requirements in Canada. Anyone who fails to meet these requirements could be subject to enforcement action. 


The CFIA will consider compliance history, the seriousness of a violation and factors that are outside the control of regulated parties when deciding which enforcement action to take."