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Improved Food Inspection Model
Final Model

Overview

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Canada has one of the best food inspection systems in the world. However, in response to pressures from increased globalization in the food industry and advances in science and technology, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is modernizing its approach to food inspection to maintain a robust approach to food safety and consumer protection. The move towards a more prevention focused and systems-based approach under the improved food inspection model enables both the CFIA and regulated parties to more readily adapt to emerging global and scientific trends. Canadians will continue to be protected by an effective food safety system that is both science- and risk-based.

This document describes the details of the CFIA's improved food inspection model and outlines the actions and activities the CFIA will undertake to verify compliance with federal food legislation in Canada.

All of the requirements, activities and actions described in this model were developed to promote the preparation, importation and exportation of safe and compliant food. Representatives from the CFIA's plant and animal programs provided input into the model's development. While the model is currently focused on food, the CFIA is moving forward to include these program areas as well with the objective of improving what is already one of the best inspection systems in the world. Animal and plant activities will continue to use the existing inspection approach until the model is fully aligned with their strategic outcomes.

The model represents the CFIA's vision and its approach to food inspection. The food inspection model is not a stand-alone initiative. For example, the CFIA is currently redesigning those business functions that are necessary to support the core components of the model, as they relate to Licensing, CFIA Oversight, Inspection, Compliance and Enforcement, and System Performance.

Figure 1 identifies which current CFIA functions, including both service delivery and core activities, would remain intact and which would change.

Beginning in the fall of 2013 and continuing through the year 2016, the CFIA will begin phasing the model into operation. More information about implementation, the phased-in approach and the transitional enforcement guidelines for the model and proposed food commodity regulations will be provided to stakeholders.

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