1.2 Applicants Steps for Registration
1.3 Fees
Appendix 1-1: Notice of Pending Expiry
Appendix 1-2: Notice of Expiry
Appendix 1-3: Cancellation of Expired Registration
Registration is required to enable an establishment preparing processed fruit and vegetable products regulated under the Processed Products Regulations (PPR):
The following terms are defined in the Section 2.(1) of the Processed Products Regulations:
Sections 10 and 11 under Part II of the PPR outline the procedures for registering an establishment.
Sections 13 to 17 under Part II of the PPR outlines the conditions that an establishment must meet in order to become and remain registered.
Section 13 of the Canadian Agricultural Products Act (CAPA) outlines the conditions of Registration and operation of an establishment as a registered establishment under this Act, and states that the establishment and all agricultural products in it are subject to this Act and its Regulations. Products subject to the PPR and produced in a registered establishment must meet all of the requirements (grades, standards, etc.) of the PPR even if the products do not leave the province of origin.
Please note that all local and provincial ordinances and codes must also be observed.
The following guidelines are applied in determining which establishments must be registered. These guidelines apply in addition to the conditions in section 1.1.1
Processing means canning, cooking, freezing, concentrating, pickling, or otherwise preparing a food product to assure preservation of the food product in transport, distribution and storage.
Preparation includes processing, slaughtering, storing, inspecting, grading, packing, assembling, pricing, marketing and labelling an agricultural product.
Preservation can include freezing, thermal processing, acidifying, fermenting or aseptic processing.
Packing can include placing the food product in metal cans, retortable pouches, bottling, aseptic packaging, plastic bags or cardboard containers.
Examples which apply these guidelines:
Scenario 1: A Canadian farm picks, cleans and packs blueberries into cartons in the field. They are shipped to the USA to be frozen. The farm then imports the frozen fruit back into Canada for sale.
Interpretation: Registration is not required (1.1.2 guideline 1). The product was exported under the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Regulations. The product would be imported under the Processed Products Regulations (e.g., must be accompanied by an import declaration, may require a Ministerial Exemption or LTL Label Approval Number).
Scenario 2: Fruit is picked in a particular province, then cleaned in a barn, roughly packed in large flats and shipped to another province, where it is inspected, sorted and cleaned, packaged and frozen. A Canada grade mark is applied to the packaging. The product is then sold in the province in which the freezing portion of the process had taken place.
Interpretation: The grower in the first province does not have to be registered, as the fruit is being shipped under the Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Regulations. The establishment preparing and freezing the product must be registered because they are applying a Canada grade. If a Canada grade was not applied and the product was sold in the province in which it was prepared, packaged and preserved, no registration would be required and the product would not be subject to the PPR. If the frozen product was shipped back to the original province, the establishment preparing, packaging and freezing would require registration and the product would be subject to the PPR and therefore must be graded accordingly.
Scenario 3: An entrepreneur prepares 5000 cases (12 jars/case) of dill pickles, packed in glass. Processing is conducted in a rented church kitchen. This activity takes place once per year, over a one month period, usually in the fall at harvest. The product is sold at farmer's market within the province.
Interpretation: Registration is not required when product is sold within the province and the product is subject solely to the Food and Drug Regulations and Consumer Packaging and Labelling Regulations.
Scenario 4: A company ferments pickles and ships them in bulk to a packer in the same town. The packer bottles, labels and sells the pickles within the province.
Interpretation: Neither establishment needs to be registered and the product is subject solely to the Food and Drug Regulations and Consumer Packaging and Labelling Regulations.
Scenario 5: A registered establishment prepares and preserves pickles and ships them to a packer in the same town. The packer bottles, labels and sells them outside the province.
Interpretation: The packer needs to be registered because the product is shipped outside the province.
Scenario 6: A company prepares, ferments, bottles and labels pickles for a first dealer who sells them outside the province of origin.
Interpretation: The company must be registered, because the product is being shipped outside the province. The first dealer does not need to be registered.
Scenario 7: Several entrepreneurs will share a common facility to product their products. They will each pack for a certain period of time under their own labels. The products will be sold outside the province.
Interpretation: The facility must be registered, but it can only have one establishment number. It will be registered to one operator (as selected by the applicants) and the other users will be named in the "Also Doing Business as" section of the Application for Registration. The operator will be responsible for ensuring that the conditions of registration are met and maintained. It will be the operator's responsibility to address deficiencies noted when the other users are processing and preparing in the facility.
All regulated products are indicated in PPR Schedules I, II and III. An establishment processing and shipping interprovincially or internationally, or applying a grade to any of these products must be registered. Depending on the schedule in which the product is included, different regulatory requirements apply:
Schedule I: Canned and Frozen Fruit and Vegetable Products
Graded Products: For these products, grades are required and substandard grades are not allowed unless the product is marked "substandard" (PPR, Section 38.(2)). The product must meet the compositional standard defined under each grade.
Optional Grades: For these products, grades are optional and substandard grades are allowed when no grade is declared. The product must meet the compositional standard defined under each grade.
Schedule II: Canned and Frozen Fruit and Vegetable Products
Standards of Identity: For these products, no grades exist. The use of the standard of identity name is permitted only if the product meets the compositional standard.
Schedule III: Canned and Frozen Fruit and Vegetable Products
Standard Containers: Contains all the products for which standard containers apply.
Note: for some products, only standard containers apply. Establishment preparing such product must be registered. For example, no grade or standard of identity exists for baby foods, but there are standard requirements. Therefore, establishments processing baby foods (excluding frozen) must be registered.
Please refer to your local CFIA inspection office or consult the PPR for more information on product standards.
Registration with CFIA is required for any establishment producing fish products, maple products, honey, dairy products, meat and poultry products. Please refer to your local CFIA inspection office to obtain more information.
Products not covered under a standardized agricultural products legislation (e.g.: coated french fries, jams with alcohol, bakery products, peanut butter) fall under the Food and Drug Act and Regulations, the Consumer, Packaging and Labelling Act and Regulations, and other relevant legislation. At this time, there are no registration requirements for establishments producing these products; however, they are still subject to CFIA inspection.
The following two forms must be submitted to the local CFIA inspection office:
Following are instructions on completing the forms.
Please check the "Processed Products Regulations" box. This application form is only for PPR registration, so do not check other boxes even if the establishment is or wishes to be registered under other regulations. An entirely separate application form will need to be filled out to apply for registration under other regulations.
A Descriptive Profile should always accompany the "Application for Registration of any Establishment" form. It is important to complete the Descriptive Profile properly. The information provided on this profile is required to identify the type of the establishment and the type of products produced. This information is essential in planning the inspection schedule.
The name of the establishment must correspond with the name on the "Application for Registration of an Establishment" form. It is important to complete the Descriptive Profile properly. Also the address of the processing establishment must be provided.
Comments: This area is reserved for Agency officials to make any comments regarding the registration.
Registration Recommended: Once the application has been reviewed, an Agency official will check the appropriate box. The recommendation will then be signed and dated by the responsible Agency official.
Buildings exterior, interior and surrounding areas must be designed, constructed and maintained in a manner to prevent conditions which may result in the contamination of food.
Materials used to construct buildings and equipment should be on the CFIA's Reference Listing of Accepted Construction Materials, Packaging Materials and Non-Food Chemical Products. It is an excellent reference when deciding on construction materials and equipment. All direct food contact surfaces must be listed in the Reference Listing.
The Processed Products Program does not register or approve blueprints or pieces of equipment.
More details on construction and equipment requirements can be obtained through your local CFIA inspection office or by referring to Chapter 4 of this manual.
There are regulatory requirements (PPR, Sections 13 to 17) for establishments to have developed, documented and implemented programs to control factors not directly related to manufactured controls but essential in any food establishment. These are universal steps or procedures that control the operational conditions within a food establishment allowing for environmental conditions that are favourable to the production of safe food.
The last three supplementary programs do not have to be reviewed and approved by the responsible inspectors prior to registration. However, all written programs must be based on the standards and regulations as stated in the CAPA and the PPR.
More details on these programs can be obtained through your local CFIA inspection office or by referring to Chapter 4 of this manual.
Acts and Regulations
The Regulations are available on the CFIA Website: (www.inspection.gc.ca/english/reg/rege.shtml)
Prior to submitting an application to be registered, the establishment management is expected to carry out independent sanitation audits of their food processing facility, based on the CFIA program requirements, and to make appropriate corrections based on their findings.
A complete registration package must include the following:
The required forms are available at /english/for/mpppe.shtml.
The application package should be forwarded to the local CFIA inspection office for new applications, arrangements must be made for a pre-registration establishment inspection.
Fees are based on the Processed Products Fees Order that can be found on the CFIA Website (/english/reg/cfiaacia/feesfrais/part_13e.shtml). This order states that a fee is payable for the registration of an establishment, or the renewal of an existing registration, on a yearly basis. Fees are also applicable for label registration. The purpose of the fees is to cover part of the costs associated with inspection activities.
Registration Validity Period
Registration Fees by Type of Operation
* Plus applicable taxes
| Level of Inspection Service | Acidified and Low Acid Food Products | Other than Low Acid Food Products |
|---|---|---|
| Full | $2710* | $850* |
| Reduced | $625* | $300* |
The Processed Products Fees Order does not define the terms full inspection service and reduced inspection service but make reference to the definitions in this manual. These definitions are as follows:
The following terms (except Other than Low-Acid Food Products) are defined in sub-section 2.(1) of the PPR:
Refunds will be handled on a case by case basis using the following guidelines:
Canadian and imported products labels of processed products falling under the authority of the PPR must meet the marking requirements and must be registered (Canadian and imported LTL products labels only) by the CFIA, as stated in Part IV of the PPR.
Registration fees are $100 for a new label, and $45 for a change to an already registered label (There is no charge for registration of labels for imported LTL products labels.). There is no charge for universal changes which are required by the CFIA (i.e. Change in the Regulations). For new label applications, applicants must submit three copies of each label and one completed copy of the Request for Registration of Labels, Markings and Containers Form (CFIA/ACIA 1478), available at the end of this chapter and on the CFIA Website: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/for/pdf/c1478e.pdf. Please contact your local CFIA inspection office for more details on the application procedure.
The registration package, as described in section 1.2.6, will be reviewed by the inspector and any missing information required will be requested from the establishment. Once the registration package has been reviewed and the registration fee has been paid, an inspection time will be arranged with the establishment managers.
The establishment will receive an in-depth inspection (conducted using MCAP using the reserved registration #) in order to assess compliance with Sections 13 to 17 inclusive of the PPR. The Inspector will generate a MCAP worksheet so that all of the applicable tasks in Chapters 4 and 5 of this manual can be assessed for compliance before registration.
Inspectors will discuss results with establishment management. An Inspection Report (CFIA/ACIA 0992), noting all deficiencies, will be left with the applicant. The MCAP worksheet will be kept on file by CFIA. Prior to registration, the applicant must correct the deficiencies associated with sections 13 to 17, noted on the report and contact the inspector to verify that all regulatory requirements are met. An acceptable action plan must be submitted to address all remaining deficiencies.
In this case, registration can be recommended.
When Operations has reviewed the required documents and the inspection report, and has determined that the applicant-establishment meets all the registration requirements, the Supervisor or Regional Program Officer will sign and date the Descriptive Profile (CFIA/ACIA 3382) and select "Yes" under "Registration Recommended". The package is then sent to the Area Program Network Specialist along with the proof of fee payments.
The Area Program Specialist will review the application package then sign the Application for Registration of an Establishment form (CFIA/ACIA 3043) in the "Agency use only" section and issue the Certificate of Registration. A copy of the Certificate of Registration, the Application for Registration and the Descriptive Profile) will be sent to Headquarters to officially enter the establishment in the National Registration List.
A reserved registration number may unofficially be provided to an applicant/establishment who wishes to prepare in advance labels and cartons for printing; however the applicant/establishment must be informed that no interprovincial and/or export trade is allowed prior to receiving their Certificate of Registration. A reserved number can be obtained from the Area Program Network Specialist, who will request it from the National Program Officer by providing the applicant's name, address and establishment type (ALAFP/LAFP or OTLA - see section 1.2.1.2).
Formal acknowledgement of an establishment's registration is confirmed through the issuance of a Certificate of Registration. The Certificate of Registration is sent to the establishment and is accompanied by a letter explaining the meaning and conditions of registration. The "Date of Registration" shall be the date on which the Certificate is issued. The Certificates of Registration must be renewed annually with fee payment unless registration suspension or cancellation is invoked or registration is revoked.
After the processed products establishment becomes registered, its operator has several obligations and responsibilities:
CFIA Area Offices will issue a registration renewal notice before a registration expires (see Appendix 1-1). Establishments must submit the following renewal package:
The package must be forwarded to the Regional or Area contact named in the renewal notice.
The registration number will be reserved for two years. Should the establishment resume production of processed products, they must apply for a new registration.
(CFIA office Address)
(Date)
(2820-1-Reg #(registration #)
(Establishment representative)
(Address of establishment)
Subject: Notice of Pending Expiry Of Processing Establishment Registration - (Date)
Please be advised that the registration for your federally registered establishment to operate under Processed Products Regulations (PPR) expires on (Date). Subsection 56(1) and 59(1) of the PPR state that establishments that prepare processed food products under PPR and trade these products internationally and/or interprovincially, or mark these products with a Canadian grade mark must be registered. Establishments that allow their registration to lapse will lose their registration and subsequent trade privileges.
A renewal package which includes the necessary application forms and the current fee structure is enclosed with this letter. Please indicate any changes to your business on these application forms. A change in the registered business name should be supported by copies of the necessary legal documents.
The completed application forms for renewal along with the fee payment (cheque, credit card or money order payable to the Receiver-General) must be returned to the following address of the Regional Office of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) before (Date):
(Regional Officer or Area Specialist)
(Address of Regional or Area Office)
Please note that any registration renewals for honey and maple products establishments should be completed on separate application forms because these products are regulated under different federal legislation.
Establishments no longer requiring federal registration should notify the Regional Office at this time.
If you have any questions, please contact the undersigned or your local CFIA representative.
Yours truly,
Processed Products Program Network Specialist
Enclosure
c.c.:
(CFIA office Address)
(Date)
(2820-1-Reg #(registration #)
(Establishment representative)
(Address of establishment)
Subject: Notice of Expiry Of Processing Establishment Registration - (Date)
Please be advised that the registration for your federally registered establishment to operate under Processed Products Regulations (PPR) expired on (Date). Subsection 56(1) and 59(1) of the PPR state that establishments that prepare processed food products under PPR and trade these products internationally and/or interprovincially, or mark these products with a Canadian grade mark must be registered.
Establishments that allow their registration to lapse, will lose their registration and subsequent trade privileges.
If you wish to maintain your registration, please submit completed application forms for renewal along with the fee payment (cheque, credit card or money order payable to the Receiver-General) to the following address of the Regional Office of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) as soon as possible:
(Regional Officer or Area Specialist)
(Address of Regional or Area Office)
If you have any questions, please contact the undersigned or your local CFIA representative.
Yours truly,
Processed Products Program Network Specialist
Enclosure
c.c.:
(CFIA office Address)
(Date)
(2820-1-Reg #(registration #)
(Establishment representative)
(Address of establishment)
Subject: Cancellation of Expired Processing Establishment Registration
Please be advised that the registration for your establishment to operate under the Processed Products Regulations (PPR) expired on (Date). As we have not yet received your renewal application for FISCAL YEAR, we are interpreting this as your intention to let your establishment's federal registration lapse. The name and address of your establishment will be deleted from our list of registered processed establishments.
Subsection 56(1) and 59(1) of the PPR state that establishments that prepare processed food products under PPR and trade these products internationally and/or interprovincially, or mark these products with a Canadian grade mark must be registered.
Violating these regulations may cause Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to take appropriate enforcement action.
If it is your intention to maintain your registration, please notify us immediately and send a completed application and payment to the above noted office.
If you require further information and/or application forms, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned or your local CFIA representative.
Yours truly,
Processed Products Program Network Specialist
Enclosure