Notification of charges laid against Presteve Foods Limited (PFL), Ulysses Pratas and Abraham Schmitt

March 11, 2021, Ottawa

On February 26, 2021, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) laid 6 charges under the Safe Food for Canadians Act (SFCA). 2 charges were laid against Presteve Foods Limited (PFL) of Wheatley, Ontario as well as PFL, CEO/President Ulysses Pratas and General Manager/Executive Vice-President Abraham Schmitt.

The charges under the Safe Food for Canadians Act pertain to the labelling and sale of previously frozen fish as fresh fillets, contrary to s. 6(1) of the SFCA. The CFIA alleges that the misrepresentation of previously frozen (defrosted) fish as fresh fish on the label and during the sale of the products misleads retailers and consumers.

The accused parties are scheduled to appear virtually in the Ontario Court of Justice, in Chatham, Ontario on April 22, 2021.

The CFIA is responsible for the administration and enforcement of federal legislation, acts and regulations, including the Safe Food for Canadians Act. The CFIA is dedicated to safeguarding food, animal, and plant health, which enhances the health and well-being of Canada's people, environment, and economy.

The CFIA issues notifications of charges laid to inform the public when charges have been laid by CFIA's Enforcement and Investigation Services (EIS). Charges are laid by EIS after the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) decides to prosecute the charges. This notice is part of our commitment to openness and transparency and ongoing efforts to increase awareness of our role in encouraging compliance with the various acts and regulations. In all cases, the subject of charges is presumed innocent until proven guilty.