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The CFIA's Standard Inspection Procedure: rolling it out to all food inspectors

CFIA Inspector, Andrea Frenette using a mobile tablet.

If you work in an inspected food facility, you might notice some minor changes to the way CFIA inspectors are carrying out their work. That's because the Agency is now using a Standard Inspection Procedure (SIP) to make inspection and enforcement activities more consistent and predictable.

"We've reached a key milestone as we see the implementation of SIP across all food commodities happening this year," says Craig Price, the CFIA's Regional Chief Inspector, Alberta North and Saskatchewan Region.

The Agency first tested the SIP in the Canadian Greenhouse Certification Program in 2015. Today, it's being successfully used by inspectors in the dairy, fish, greenhouse, fresh fruits and vegetables, oilseeds (feed) and specified risk material permitting programs.

What to expect when inspected

Here's what's changing:

All other inspection-related activities will continue to be delivered as usual.

No specific action is required by you or your industry as the Agency continues to implement this new approach to inspection.

The CFIA created a What to Expect When Inspected infographic to help you learn the four basic steps of the inspection process: preparation, inspection, communication and follow-up.

What about meat establishments

Although the SIP will eventually standardize inspection processes for most sectors, there are some commodities – such as meat – that require different approaches due to size, complexity and trade requirements.

The CFIA is currently carrying out a pilot called the Modernized Slaughter Inspection Program in Hogs which focuses on addressing areas of highest risk and is currently taking place at two establishments in Alberta.

The Compliance Verification System, which is used in meat, will also be updated to better reflect inspection needs and areas of highest risk.

Collaborating on continuous improvement

Since 2015, the CFIA has consulted internally and externally on SIP, engaging with CFIA employees, unions, federal/provincial/territorial partners, and industry.

"By developing a more consistent approach to inspection, the Agency will be better able to manage how it detects and responds to today's new emerging risks," Price says.

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