Packaging requirement overview in Canada's SFCA proposal
These requirements, found in Section 183 of the proposed regulations, state that the package must be suitable for its intended use and appropriate for the food, capable of protecting the food against moisture, loss, damage, contamination and deterioration during normal handling, storing and conveying, clean and in sanitary condition, of sound construction and free from odors that might affect the food.
There are three key elements to the proposed Regulations:
Licenses would be required for anyone (1) importing food; (2) preparing food for export or inter-provincial trade (with some exceptions); or (3) slaughtering food animals from which meat products for export or inter-provincial trade may be derived. The license would be valid for a period of two years for a fee of approximately $250, and could be suspended or cancelled in cases of non-compliance.
International standards established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission for traceability would apply to anyone (1) importing, exporting or inter-provincially trading food; (2) holding a license issued under the SFCA; or (3) growing or harvesting fruits or vegetables that are to be exported or traded inter-provincially. Electronic or paper records would be required in order to track food forward to the immediate customer and backwards to the immediate supplier.
Companies that manufacture food or conduct activities that are subject to the Regulations would be required to have a preventive control plan (PCP) that is consistent with internationally-recognized agricultural and manufacturing practices (i.e., GAPs, GMPs and HACCP).
source: natlawreview.com
