9 replies to this topic

[Scampi]

Hello all

 

Can anyone point me in the right direction to find the requirements for shipping containers for GAME meat entering the US from Canada?

I'm trying desperately to make it crystal clear to my VIC what is and is not required as like most places, everyones used to USDA req's and our product is only under FDA jurisdiction.

 

Thank you!

[Scampi]

Can anyone help? My post is no longer on the unanswered list, but I am still hoping for some help.

 

THANKS

[Myusername]

this is interesting, is this hunted game animals or farm raised game like elk? Because at least in my province it is illegal to sell, trade or transport game out of the province without a permit even then its only for personal use i would find it hard to believe you could export it when it comes to game. What type of game are we talking about here? Deer, moose, ptarmigan, porcupine?

 

i could help out if i have some free time

Edited by Myusername, 23 February 2015 - 05:25 PM.

[MWidra]

Hello all

 

Can anyone point me in the right direction to find the requirements for shipping containers for GAME meat entering the US from Canada?

I'm trying desperately to make it crystal clear to my VIC what is and is not required as like most places, everyones used to USDA req's and our product is only under FDA jurisdiction.

 

Thank you!

If game meat is under FDA control, then I would expect that it would be the same as for any other type of refrigerated food materials.

 

The current cGMP regulations are not very extensive about shipping and warehousing.  This is from 21 CFR, the title about food and drugs.

 

§110.93   Warehousing and distribution.

Storage and transportation of finished food shall be under conditions that will protect food against physical, chemical, and microbial contamination as well as against deterioration of the food and the container.

 

 

I would expect that if the containers pass the USDA's regulations, then the FDA would have no issues with them.  The FDA regulations are more interested in the manufacturing of food than the shipping of it. 

 

http://www.fda.gov/F...orts/Importing/

 

I also would think that your shipping firm would know about the requirements.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Martha

Edited by MWidra, 23 February 2015 - 05:31 PM.

[Charles.C]

Hello all

 

Can anyone point me in the right direction to find the requirements for shipping containers for GAME meat entering the US from Canada?

I'm trying desperately to make it crystal clear to my VIC what is and is not required as like most places, everyones used to USDA req's and our product is only under FDA jurisdiction.

 

Thank you!

 

Dear scampi -

 

I am slightly puzzled. i could have "sworn" yr original post had either an answer(s)  or an amplification from yourself  which contained further (useful) detail. Cyberstrike ?

 

I have yet to see any evidence / comments regarding FDA control of GAME meat.  Suggests some relevant data is missing from yr OP.  Ferile crocodile meat ? Or maybe this was the "lost in Translation."

 

I assume you are not the Hunter. (This seems to be the most common scenario).

 

(1) via Google - "commercial" export "game meat" from Canada to USA -

 

Required documentation for shipments to the U.S.:

All shippers of game meat are responsible for ensuring that all required documentation including U.S. Customs forms/certifications and Fish and Wildlife Declarations are attached to the outside of the shipment.

Hunters will need a Veterinary Services Special Permit for the Importation of Hunter-Harvested Wild Ruminant Meat, along with one of the following:

• a valid Canadian export certificate for game meat,
• a copy of a valid hunting license, or
• a valid hunting tag.

The permit can be downloaded from the United States Department of Agriculture website, or obtained by calling the APHIS National Center for Import and Export at:
(301) 734-3277.

 

http://www.aircanada...s/gamemeat.html

 

(2) Can see the answers at this link (I didn't see a definitive answer for commercial lots but a "contact" is provided for queries) -

 

https://help.cbp.gov...d-game-products

 

(3) Can also see this document which "discusses" commercial import to USA from Canada but is undated (prob.ca 2003) -

 

http://iipdigital.us...l#axzz3ScN0lhV1

 

My impression is that commercial  import is not a very common phenomenon. Non-commercial seemingly much the opposite. Some dialling may be required at yr end.

 

Any help ? (i sincerely hope you have not seen/discarded all the above already.)

 

Rgds / Charles.C

[Dr Vu]

Try this one....

 

Game meats may provide required nutrition information or labeling in accordance with 21 CFR 101.9(a)(2)

 

 

 

 

 also check  21 CFR 101.9(j)(12)

[Scampi]

HI all, thank you for all your help! It's comforting that I am not the only one who can get lost in the sea of confusion that is USDA vs FDA vs Fish n Wildlife vs CFIA; i could go on and on......

 

Charles C, lol, no I am not the hunter.

We process farm raised birds that do not fall under USDA. I don't want to name the species specifically as we have very little competition and I will give us away.

 

Yes, we do process the fish and wildlife requirements.

 

It is not the labelling on the actual retail package I am having trouble with, it is the requirement for the "SHIPPING CONTAINER"  

this is the only thing I have been able to find

http://www.fda.gov/R...n/ucm148722.htm

 

Due to the "small" amount of game meat that passes to/from Canada and the US, there is very little information to be found, and that which is is cryptic to say the very least. And here I though chapter 19 of the CFIA Meat manual of procedures was bad!

[Charles.C]

HI all, thank you for all your help! It's comforting that I am not the only one who can get lost in the sea of confusion that is USDA vs FDA vs Fish n Wildlife vs CFIA; i could go on and on......

 

Charles C, lol, no I am not the hunter.

We process farm raised birds that do not fall under USDA. I don't want to name the species specifically as we have very little competition and I will give us away.

 

Yes, we do process the fish and wildlife requirements.

 

It is not the labelling on the actual retail package I am having trouble with, it is the requirement for the "SHIPPING CONTAINER"  

this is the only thing I have been able to find

http://www.fda.gov/R...n/ucm148722.htm

 

Due to the "small" amount of game meat that passes to/from Canada and the US, there is very little information to be found, and that which is is cryptic to say the very least. And here I though chapter 19 of the CFIA Meat manual of procedures was bad!

 

Last Resorts ? -

 

FWS at (703) 358-2104.

 

(FDA) 1-888-723-3366

 

You never know, someone might answer who knows about "shooting ducks"

 

Rgds / Charles.C

[MWidra]

It is not the labelling on the actual retail package I am having trouble with, it is the requirement for the "SHIPPING CONTAINER"  

this is the only thing I have been able to find

http://www.fda.gov/R...n/ucm148722.htm

 

 

scampi, I got that your question was about the shipping container.  My thoughts are that your product should not be treated any differently from another product that requires refrigeration, if it has that requirement.   The FDA tends to not differentiate between specific products, but categorizes them.  You can write a letter to the FDA asking for an interpretation, but I would suggest that your product is no different from farm-raised fish sent to the US.  The importer will need to notify the FDA in advance that the shipment is coming, and the FDA will inspect it at the border to make sure that it is safe, and the labels must be correct, but other than that, there does not appear to be much of an issue, so long as the container is sufficient to keep the food safe and wholesome.

 

Maybe talk to transportation firms that handle fish shipments to the US, they may have some insight.

 

Martha

[Scampi]

Thanks All. Now comes the challenge of getting the veterinarian in charge to understand