CFIA suspends accreditation of CERTIFICADORA BIOTROPICO S.A.S. under the Canada Organic Regime

Effective May 27, 2021, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has suspended the accreditation of CERTIFICADORA BIOTROPICO S.A.S. as a body that can certify products as organic. Located in Colombia, CERTIFICADORA BIOTROPICO S.A.S. was accredited to certify foreign operators who produce various types of organic products such as coffee that could be imported into Canada.

The suspension is a result of failing to comply with the requirements of the Canada Organic Regime (COR) outlined in Part 13 of the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) including the certification requirements of ISO 17065 and the COR Operating Manual.

There is no food safety risk associated with this suspension and there are no associated food recalls. Products already certified by BIOTROPICO as meeting Canadian organic requirements are not affected.

While under suspension, BIOTROPICO cannot accept new applications, make certification decisions, or certify products as organic under the COR.

As per section 365 (1) of the SFCR the CFIA must cancel BIOTROPICO's accreditation if the certification body fails to take corrective action within 30 days after the day on which the accreditation was suspended.

The CFIA has the authority to suspend the accreditation of a certification body if there is non-compliance with any provision of the Safe Food for Canadians Act, Part 13 of the SFCR or ISO 17065 requirements. The CFIA publishes a list of suspensions and cancellations on its website.

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