August 2, 2024
This is to inform Safe Food for Canadians licence holders who practice the ritual slaughter of food animals that, following a Federal Court decision (PDF) issued on July 24, 2024, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will not enforce the use of the following indicators of unconsciousness:
- Absence of rhythmic breathing
- Absence of palpebral reflex
- Absence of corneal reflex
Until further notice, the CFIA will not enforce the use of any of the three indicators of unconsciousness under the Guidelines, issue non-compliance or require corrective action, for the sole reason that a licence holder has failed to apply any of the three indicators of unconsciousness.
Instead, the CFIA will continue to enforce section 143 of the SFCR by using other methods described in the Guidelines for ritual slaughter of food animals without pre-slaughter stunning, to assess compliance and ensure protection of animal welfare.
All slaughter of food animals continues to remain subject to requirements for the humane treatment of animals in order to be licensed under the Safe Food for Canadians Act (SFCA). Licence holders must continue to comply with all applicable regulatory requirements, including measures to ensure that animals are unconscious prior to hoisting as per section 143 of the SFCR.
The Guidelines offer flexibility in the use of certain indicators and a multicriteria approach should always be taken to achieve the desired outcome. Licence holders may continue to use and include these indicators of unconsciousness in their PCP for animal welfare and routine evaluation as a best practice.