Additional import controls in place for food products from Japan

Effective June 13, 2011, following an assessment of the results of both domestic and international actions, the CFIA no longer sees the need for routine testing imported food products. The CFIA will continue to review documentation provided by importers. For more information, please see "Japan Earthquake: Information for Canadians Regarding Imported Food"

OTTAWA, March 23, 2011 : The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), in collaboration with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Health Canada, is implementing enhanced import controls on milk products, fruits, and vegetables from areas of Japan affected by the ongoing nuclear crisis (Japanese prefectures of Fukushima, Gunma, Ibaraki, and Tochigi).

These products will not be allowed entry into Canada without acceptable documentation verifying their safety. Any potentially contaminated products will be disposed of in accordance with protocols from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

The CFIA will continue to work closely with Japan, other trading partners and international organizations. Given the evolving nature of the Japanese situation, these measures will be adjusted, as warranted, to ensure the Canadian food supply remains protected.

The CFIA recognizes that the government of Japan is taking steps to address this issue and we will continue to provide support to their efforts.

The restrictions add an additional safeguard to Canada’s existing import controls. CFIA maintains rigorous controls and tracking systems for imported food, while CBSA routinely monitors radioactivity levels in shipping containers.

For more information, please see the CFIA website at: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/imp/eartere.shtml

Consumers and industry can call the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).

Media enquiries:

CFIA Media Relations
613-773-6600