CFIA launches interprovincial support service

On June 10, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) launched a concierge service for small and medium sized businesses to improve interprovincial food trade.

The service is designed to provide support for food businesses who are looking to expand their operations across Canada to help navigate understanding and acquiring federal licenses including the Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) licence.

Businesses can schedule one-on-one virtual meetings with CFIA employees to help understand their unique needs and begin the licensing process while identifying gaps between their current practices and regulatory expectations. The meetings can help prepare documentation and offer support as needed.

“To help increase internal trade of food in Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is providing tailored guidance and support to help small and medium-sized Canadian food businesses meet federal food regulations,” representatives from the CFIA told Food in Canada.

The CFIA says they are working with provinces and various food associations and hope this program helps expand awareness of the service and will reach businesses that would benefit from federal licensing.

“This work will reduce administrative burden, help businesses expand into markets beyond their home provinces, and increase the number of businesses that meet Canada’s federal food safety requirements,” the CFIA told Food in Canada.

The CFIA says this process will also allow them to ensure a company has a food safety culture.

Interested parties can begin the process by filling out an intake form on CFIA’s website.