Specified Risk Material - Requirements for Abattoirs / Meat Processors

On July 12, 2007, enhanced animal health safeguards came into effect to help eliminate bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or mad cow disease, from Canada. Certain cattle tissues capable of transmitting BSE, known specified risk material (SRM), are banned from all animal feeds, pet foods and fertilizers. There are also requirements for anyone slaughtering cattle and processing beef.

The removal of SRM from the food supply has been a legal requirement in Canada since 2003.