Canadian Food Inspection Agency seeks feedback on BSE-related regulatory changes

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) proposes regulatory amendments to better align Canada’s Enhanced Feed Ban (EFB) with the United States.

Introduced in 2007, most mammalian proteins from ruminant feed are currently banned under EFB to prevent the occurrence of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Canadian cattle.

Today, the risk of BSE is very low in Canada. However, the measures have not been updated to reflect this lower level of risk. Canada’s rules are also stricter than those in the United States. These stricter regulations have increased costs for Canadian businesses.

CFIA is therefore proposing amendments to better align Canada’s requirements with those of the U.S. CFIA says this change would reflect the low level of risk, while enhancing Canada’s competitiveness with the U.S.

All specified risk material (SRM), being cattle tissues that are capable of transmitting BSE if the cattle is diseased, will remain banned in food and ruminant feed to ensure the safety and integrity of Canada’s food supply. However, a subset of lower risk SRM could be eligible for use in non-ruminant feed, fertilizer and pet food.

“Based on the latest science, allowing certain eligible SRM to be used in this way would not increase Canada’s risk for BSE when our existing safeguards are maintained. These proposed updates can provide industry with a reduced regulatory burden, while maintaining appropriate science and risk-based controls that protect Canada’s food and ruminant feed supplies and access to international markets,” says CFIA.

Abattoirs and beef processors can choose to separate and use eligible SRM in certain products with a CFIA permit. Businesses would need to show they can safely separate eligible SRM from high-risk SRM and manage it under defined conditions to get a permit.

A permit would be required for eligible SRM from cattle aged 30 months and older. A permit would not be required for distal ileum (portion of the small intestine) from cattle under 30 months of age.

CFIA seeks feedback on the proposed changes. Interested parties can submit their comments by September 9, 2026.