Questions and Answers - Legislation

What are the limitations to the CFIA's current legal authorities to obtain documents from a regulated party?

The CFIA has the authority under the Meat Inspection Act to ask for any documentation and information relevant to verify the safety of a meat product at an inspection site.

However, the CFIA has limited ability to compel companies to act quickly and produce information in a timely fashion and in a useable format.

How will the Safe Food for Canadians Act enhance the CFIA’s ability to get documentation from companies?

While the CFIA currently has authorities to ask for documents and information, the proposed legislation would give an inspector the authority to clearly specify a deadline to receive the information requested. An inspector could also request that it be provided in a specific form that would be most useful to the CFIA investigation.  The legislation also has a provision to strengthen traceability.

(Extract from S-11)
27. An inspector may, for a purpose related to verifying compliance or preventing non-compliance with this Act, order a person to provide, on the date, at the time and place and in the manner specified by the inspector, any document, information or sample specified by the inspector.)

Additional information about the Safe Food for Canadians Act