Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Position on the Retention of Samples Containing Specified Risk Material (SRM) at Feed Mills

August 10, 2007

The Animal Nutrition Association of Canada (ANAC) has asked for clarification on the CFIA's policy for feed samples retained by feed mills pre July 12, 2007. The industry has indicated that for quality control and/or other purposes it is standard practice that these samples are retained for up to six months following production. The concern is these samples may contain SRM and feed mills would now require a permit to store/retain such feed samples in accordance with enhanced feed ban requirements.

Enforcement action will not be taken at mills retaining such samples without a permit prior to December 31, 2007. However, feed manufacturers must document and implement a plan for control of the samples that includes storage in a dedicated container or area, marking the containers and/or area to indicate that they contain SRM, and describing how the samples will be disposed of in an appropriate manner (under permit) when they are no longer required. The plan for control and its implementation would be subject to verification by CFIA inspection staff during the course of routine inspection activities.

Once the samples are to be disposed of, they will be required to be transported under permit to an appropriate SRM storage or destruction site. The CFIA is also willing to discuss appropriate options for disposal of the samples with industry.

For further information, please contact:

Sergio Tolusso
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
59 Camelot Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0Y9

Telephone: 613-221-4377
Email: sergio.tolusso@inspection.gc.ca