Preparing for an on-site inspection for livestock traceability

Compliance for livestock identification and traceability requirements is verified by inspectors of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The inspectors verify traceability information that has been reported to the responsible administrators and through on-site visits and interviews with operators of a site where livestock is kept.

An on-site inspection can occur on short notice or without notice. The inspection may include an examination of:

• the bison, cattle, sheep and pigs received at your site bearing approved indicators;
• the application of approved indicators to animals received that did not have an indicator;
• the application of indicators approved to the species of the animals;
• the approved indicators are issued to the site where they will be applied to animals, and;
• the information required to be reported to the responsible administrator has been recorded at your site.

Cooperation

You must let the inspector see all the documents and records that they ask for. You are responsible for the information required to be reported to the responsible administrator for the last five years has been recorded at your site. It is against the law not to have documents available for inspection. You should make sure that the inspector can safely inspect your animals. You must provide suitable handling facilities and people to gather the animals. You are responsible for the animals' welfare during the inspection.

How operations are chosen for inspection

The frequency at which inspections are conducted is based on risks and compliance levels, and is specific to a type of agricultural operation. For some type of operation (e.g. abattoirs), all sites are inspected over the course of the year; whereas for some other types of operation (e.g. farms), a randomly-selected sample of sites is inspected.

How long does an inspection take?

The inspector will carry out the inspection as quickly and efficiently as possible, and with as little disruption to you as possible. Usually, an inspection does not take more than two hours.

Enforcement actions

Four enforcement actions can result from a violation for requirements under the Livestock Identification and Traceability program:

• seizure and detention of animals or fraudulent animal indicators
• letter of non-compliance
• administrative monetary penalty
• prosecution