June 18, 2021, Ottawa
As a result of an investigation by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), charges were laid on June 10, 2021 against Ryding-Regency Meat Packers Ltd., Beef Boutique Ltd., Canadian Select Meat Inc., and Anthony Petronaci, Ellen Cosman, and Chuck Oulton of Toronto, Ontario for the following alleged offences:
- Section 15 of the Safe Food for Canadians Act: provided to an Inspector of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency false or misleading information and/or statements.
- Section 82(2) of the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations: failure by the operator to immediately notify the Minister and take immediate action to mitigate the risk after establishing that food presents a risk of injury to human health.
- Section 4(1)(a) of the Food and Drugs Act: selling an article of food that had in or on it any poisonous or harmful substance.
The accused parties are scheduled to appear in the Old City Hall Court, in Toronto, Ontario on August 10, 2021.
The CFIA is responsible for the administration and enforcement of various federal acts and regulations, including the Safe Food for Canadians Act and the Food and Drugs Act. The CFIA is dedicated to safeguarding food, animal, and plant health, which enhance 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. This Notice is part of our commitment to openness and transparency and ongoing efforts to increase awareness of the CFIA's role in encouraging compliance with relevant acts and regulations. In all cases, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
A Prosecution Bulletin-Disposition will be published at the conclusion of the court process.
Media Inquiries
CFIA Media Relations
613-773-6600