To Canadians re new SFCA -Safe Food Canadians Act
Hello,
I'm wondering if you're finding any specific or new changes / additions that are required under the new SFCA if your org is currently certified to GFSI?
Thanks (feeling stupid!)
Greta
Hi Greta! Don't be.............this is a massive transition for companies that have not had to deal with CFIA in the past!!! And judging by the webinars I have called into, CFIA still isn't really sure how this is going to shake down!
there is a SFCR tab under CFIA for the new regs and questions......you may find some help there as well.
The one thing I can think of off the top of my head is a requirement for "market fairness" that is NOT covered under GFSI
You have to prove that your label/product meets regulations.....so if there is a standard of identity you need to verify that you meet it and that you have the correct nutritional information and the label meets the requirements (bilingual, label in the correct font, common name)
http://www.inspectio...9/1526652007189
GFSI only ask that you make sure you put the correct label on the correct product.........CFIA has regulations around what you can and cannot say, where it should be and what font
Do you mind if i ask what kind of finished product? Not specifics, just so we can help better
Hi Greta,
Just for clarity it is not possible for a Company to be "certified to GFSI". GFSI is a benchmarking organisation.
A Company may acquire (through an audit) certification to a specific FS Standard. Certain FS Standards are "recognized" by GFSI.
Hello Scampi,
Do you know if this replaces the Canadian Food and Drug Regulations? I just want to be sure, since I will need to change the wording of some conformity documents if it does.
I see it consolidates the Canadian Agricultural Products Act, the Fish Inspection Act, the Meat Inspection Act, and the food provisions of the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act.
But I cannot seem to find any info on the Canadian Food and Drug Regulation being included in the new SFCR. I assume it's not but I want to check in case.
Thank you for taking time to reply.
Kindest Regards.
Danica
Hi,
If you are GFSI certified and practicing it as designed you are well on your way. 3 things - Preventive Controls, Licensing, Traceability and the phase in dates by commodity. It is posted on CFIA site and there are templates now to assist. And traceability is only one step back. Still in the dark ages.
I have been told if you are or have in the past been certified to FSEP in Canada it aligns well with SFCR. My take is the inspectors will vary greatly in their competence, as they have consolidated 14 acts, different commodities and inspectors will mostly have good experience or poor experience based on their expertise. Not to mention, they don't themselves know how they will be inspecting. One size does not fit all.
Hello Astir,
If I get this right this is mainly for federally registered food producers? We produce direct contact food packaging, I guess most of this does not apply to us then.
We are in the process of getting IFS certified.
Thank you for your reply.
Kind Regards,
Danica
Hello Scampi,
Do you know if this replaces the Canadian Food and Drug Regulations? I just want to be sure, since I will need to change the wording of some conformity documents if it does.
I see it consolidates the Canadian Agricultural Products Act, the Fish Inspection Act, the Meat Inspection Act, and the food provisions of the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act.
But I cannot seem to find any info on the Canadian Food and Drug Regulation being included in the new SFCR. I assume it's not but I want to check in case.
Thank you for taking time to reply.
Kindest Regards.
Danica
Hi Danica,
No, the F&d regs are staying as is and are NOT incorporated, so you will still need to ensure you are adhering to those as well.
There are some webinars upcoming through CFIA, but they are filling up fast
Thank you Scampi for taking time to reply.
Kindest Regards,
DA
Hi Greta! Don't be.............this is a massive transition for companies that have not had to deal with CFIA in the past!!! And judging by the webinars I have called into, CFIA still isn't really sure how this is going to shake down!
there is a SFCR tab under CFIA for the new regs and questions......you may find some help there as well.
The one thing I can think of off the top of my head is a requirement for "market fairness" that is NOT covered under GFSI
You have to prove that your label/product meets regulations.....so if there is a standard of identity you need to verify that you meet it and that you have the correct nutritional information and the label meets the requirements (bilingual, label in the correct font, common name)
http://www.inspectio...9/1526652007189
GFSI only ask that you make sure you put the correct label on the correct product.........CFIA has regulations around what you can and cannot say, where it should be and what font
Do you mind if i ask what kind of finished product? Not specifics, just so we can help better
Thank you Scampi! We are a seafood producer not direct to retail.
Ok, seafood you're in luck!!!!!!!!!!!
http://inspection.gc...5/1299799784160
Assuming you're importing and selling to food service?? There is alot of existing information for fish/seafood folks already on the website
Ok, seafood you're in luck!!!!!!!!!!!
http://inspection.gc...5/1299799784160
Assuming you're importing and selling to food service?? There is alot of existing information for fish/seafood folks already on the website
Yes 35 yr old org. Just wish SFCA had a guide on what they may have added - 'new updates' or 'this line has been added'. I see no additional guidance for us to address - other than updating with the regs new names.
I agree and I have told CFIA that very thing..........so focused on new companies they forgot to make sure existing had the info they needed...........we've been registered for 24 years!!!
I did get a link to this today which I had not seen as yet that helped me make sure I already have everything covered..........are you using FSEP?