Annex 2: Export food-implementation verification tasks

On this page

• Meat
  • USA Pre-shipment verification
  • USA Segregation verification
  • USA Product labelling verification
  • Sampling protocol
    • USA Salmonella and Campylobacter sampling written protocol for raw products
    • USA Generic E. coli sampling written protocol for carcasses
  • Sampling verification
    • USA Salmonella and Campylobacter sampling implementation for raw products
    • USA Generic E. coli sampling implementation for carcasses
    • Risk-based Shiga toxins-producing E. coli verification sampling of beef trimmings (beef slaughter establishments)
    • USA RTE meat and poultry products – Sampling program for non food contact surfaces
  • USA Retained water protocol (red meat)
  • USA Retained water implementation (red meat)
  • SRM control program – Bison – on site (slaughter establishment) (See OG: Food Animal Slaughter Preventive Control Inspection – Implementation Verification, Appendix 4)
  • SRM control program – Bison – record review (slaughter establishment) (See OG: Food Animal Slaughter Preventive Control Inspection – Implementation Verification, Appendix 4)
  • USA Sampled returned product controls
  • Export supervisory activities
  • Export Ractopamine/Beta-Agonist Free Animal Program Verification
  • Export Ractopamine/Beta-Agonist Randomized Statistical Testing
  • Specific BSE requirements (See OG: Food Animal Slaughter Preventive Control Inspection – Implementation Verification, Appendix 4)
• All Food
  • Foreign country requirements

USA Pre-shipment verification

Legal authorities

• Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR)
  • Commodity-specific requirements: 168

Outcome

Licence holder meets export requirements related to pre-shipment review for the USA.

Rationale

The licence holder must meet food specific export requirements.

Performance criteria

Written procedures and records to demonstrate that the commodity to be exported meets food specific export requirements as per the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network).

Verification activities

Note: This task only applies if one or many critical control points (CCPs) are identified in the licence holder's written PCP.

Document/records review

• Review the licence holder's written procedures related to Pre-shipment verification (USA section - Annex Q of the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network))
• Select at least one meat product that was eligible for export to the USA
  • request the shipping records for this product
  • identify the critical control points (CCP's) for this product
• Verify that:
  • all the CCP's records associated with the production of this product were reviewed by the licence holder for completeness as per the licence holder's written program prior to shipping the product. "Completeness" is defined in this case as:
    • CCP's were monitored and documented as required
    • the determination that all critical limits were met, if appropriate
    • corrective actions were taken, including the proper disposition of product
    • the pre-shipment verification document is completed, signed and dated by a responsible employee
  • when pre-shipment review is accomplished at a location other than the producing establishment (for products being sent to storage to be exported at a later date), additional requirements are met

On-site: Observation and interview

• Verify that the employee responsible for completing the pre-shipment review can demonstrate:
  • what they are reviewing the records for
  • what to do if they identified that the CCP critical limits were not met and corrective action procedures were not initiated
• If a licence holder eligible for export to the USA ships meat products without conducting pre-shipment review, select one shipment and verify that the licence holder is able to clearly demonstrate that the shipment is:
  • shipped directly to a meat establishment not SFC licensed for meat (leaves the federal system)
  • destined exclusively for sale in the Canadian retail market
  • destined exclusively for sale to the Canadian Hotel Restaurant Institution (HRI) market (for example: cuts or pieces of meat packed in trays, pieces of meat packed for an institution)

USA Segregation verification

Legal authorities

• SFCR
  • Commodity-specific requirements: 168

Outcome

Licence holder meets export requirements related to segregation of product eligible and ineligible for export to the USA.

Rationale

The licence holder must meet food specific export requirements.

Performance criteria

Written procedures and records to demonstrate that the commodity to be exported meets food specific export requirements as per the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network).

Verification activities

Document/records review

• Review the licence holder's written procedures related to USA segregation
• If licence holder handles products that are eligible and ineligible for export to the USA, review the export procedures related to segregation of product eligible and ineligible for export to the USA, verify that:
  • export procedures meet requirements stated in the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network)
  • non-eligible products can be distinguished from those that are eligible through receiving, processing, storage, shipping/export
• If licence holder receives, handles or processes only products that are eligible for export to the USA, review receiving procedures that demonstrate control. This may include approved supplier lists, invoices, and/or letters of guarantee, verify that:
  • the procedure ensures that the information is verified and controlled by the licence holder (meets the requirements of the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network))

On-site: Observation and interview

• Verify that:
  • the licence holder is following their written procedures related to segregation
  • any products not eligible for export to the USA are segregated from those that are eligible through receiving, processing, storage, shipping/export
• No ready to eat meat product that contacts a food contact surface that has tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes (L. mono) is eligible for export to the USA without first having undergone a process that is destructive of L. mono
• Where applicable, animal health requirements of Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) are met. Refer to APHIS requirements in the USA section of Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) for more information
• For poultry slaughter establishments without an approved protocol for segregating salvaged or reprocessed/reconditioned carcasses, verify that:      
  • the licence holder ensures all reworked carcasses are inspected by CFIA
• If the licence holder receives, handles or processes only products that are eligible for export to the USA, verify that:  
  • the licence holder is following their receiving procedure

USA Product labelling verification

Legal authorities

• SFCR
  • Commodity-specific requirements: 168

Outcome

Licence holder meets export requirements related to labelling of products for export to the USA.

Rationale

The licence holder must meet food specific export requirements.

Performance criteria

Written procedures and records to demonstrate that the commodity to be exported meets food specific export requirements as per the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network).

Verification activities

Document/records review

• Review the licence holder's written procedures related to USA Product labelling verification
• Review licence holder's records
  • If applicable, documentation showing that the labels that require submission for review and approval as per FSIS compliance guideline for label approval (USA section – Annex N of the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network)) have been submitted and approved
• Select at least one label for a meat or poultry product eligible for retail sale in the USA that does not require approval by the FSIS, verify that:
  • the label information meets the USDA Federal meat and poultry inspection regulations or the FDA Labeling & Nutrition Guidance Documents & Regulatory Information, as applicable (Note: The main section of the USDA Meat and Poultry Inspection Regulations related to labelling is 9 CFR 317.2)

If applicable, for the meat or poultry product that was selected above:

• Compare the label to the formulation records and observe the product being prepared if necessary for at least one lot of the product, verify that:
  • The product was prepared with the ingredients listed on the label
  • If licence holder uses rework in the product, the ingredients contained in the rework are included in the label
  • If licence holder handles or prepares different species meat on the same equipment, the licence holder has adequate equipment sanitation procedures in place to prevent cross contamination from one species to another

On-site: Observation and interview

• Verify that:
  • the licence holder implements the quality control programs required for certain products as well as for products bearing labeling claims such as a reference to percentage lean and cured pork bellies
• Select at least one container for a meat or poultry product that is eligible for export to the USA but not intended for retail sale, verify that it includes the following:
  • product name
  • establishment number and country of origin
  • name and address of the manufacturer or distributor
  • net quantity of contents in weight (pounds and ounces) or liquid measure
  • production date or code identifying the production lot
  • list of ingredients
  • handling statements, if applicable percentage of retained water in raw meat or poultry single ingredient products, as applicable
  • the product is a carcass, half, quarter, primal cut, beef liver, beef tongue or beef heart, it is marked with the inspection legend

If applicable, for the meat or poultry product that was selected above that is not intended for retail sale in the USA:

• Compare the label to the formulation records and observe the product being prepared if necessary for at least one lot of the product, verify that:
  • the product was prepared with the ingredients listed on the label
  • if licence holder uses rework in the product, the ingredients contained in the rework are included in the label
  • if licence holder handles or prepares different species meat on the same equipment, the licence holder has adequate equipment sanitation procedures in place to prevent cross contamination from one species to another

USA Salmonella and Campylobacter sampling written protocol for raw products

Legal authorities

• SFCR
  • Commodity-specific requirements: 168

Outcome

Licence holder meets requirements related to Salmonella and Campylobacter sampling of the raw product for export to the USA.

Rationale

The licence holder must meet food specific export requirements.

Performance criteria

Written procedures and records to demonstrate that the commodity to be exported meets food specific export requirements as per the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network).

Verification activities

Raw products to be included in the protocol:

• Salmonella: beef carcasses, young chicken/broiler carcasses, young turkey carcasses, swine carcasses, ground beef, ground chicken and ground turkey. Ground beef or poultry which is ground as a processing step in the fabrication of processed meat products (for example, beef ground to make salami) or to mechanically separated meats (MSM) are excluded
• Campylobacter: chilled carcasses of young chickens/broiler and young turkeys

For licence holders that have implemented the Canadian Pathogen Reduction Monitoring Program for Salmonella and Campylobacter for raw poultry refer to Appendix 1 – Poultry and Rabbit Slaughter PCI Implementation Verification Tasks of the Operational Guidance: Food Animal Slaughter – Preventive Control Inspection – Implementation Verification when conducting verification activities.

Document/records review

• Review the licence holder's written procedures related to sampling protocol of Salmonella and if applicable Campylobacter in raw products, verify that:
  • the written sampling protocol for Salmonella and Campylobacter meets the requirements indicated in the USA section – Annex U, Annex U-1 of the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) 
• Complete the following form:
  • USA section – Annex U section U.6 – Determination of product to be sampled for Salmonella of the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network)

USA Generic E. coli sampling written protocol for carcasses

Legal authorities

• SFCR
  • Commodity-specific requirements: 168

Outcome

Licence holder meets requirements related to generic E. coli sampling of carcasses for export to the USA.

Rationale

The licence holder must meet food specific export requirements.

Performance criteria

Written procedures and records to demonstrate that the commodity to be exported meets food specific export requirements as per the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network).

Verification activities

Carcasses from the following species are required to be included in the protocol: cattle, swine, sheep, goats, equines and ratites and are covered under USA section – Annex T-1 of the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network). Chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese and guineas are covered under USA section – Annex T of the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network).

For licence holders that have implemented the Canadian Process Verification Monitoring Program for generic E. coli – Biotype I for raw poultry refer to Appendix 1 – Poultry and Rabbit Slaughter PCI Implementation Verification Tasks of the Operational Guidance: Food Animal Slaughter – Preventive Control Inspection – Implementation Verification when conducting verification activities.

Document/records review

• Review the licence holder's written procedures related to sampling protocol for E. coli (generic) sampling, verify the procedures include:
  • samples taken from the species which the licence holder slaughters in the greatest amount
  • the information listed in the USA section – Annex T , section T.2.1 or Annex T-1, Part 1 section 2 of the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network)
  • the following procedures must meet the requirements stated in the identified sections of the USA section – Annex T and Annex T-1 of the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network):
    • sampling frequency procedures
    • pre-sampling preparation procedures
    • random selection of carcasses procedures
    • aseptic techniques/sampling procedures
    • sample shipping procedures
    • analysis of results and statistical process control procedures
    • corrective action procedures
    • record keeping procedures
  • analytical methods that meet the requirements stated in the USA section – Annex T section T.2.7 and Annex T-1 section 4.4 of the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network)

USA Salmonella and Campylobacter sampling implementation for raw products

Legal authorities

• SFCR
  • Commodity-specific requirements: 168

Outcome

Licence holder meets requirements related to Salmonella and Campylobacter sampling of raw product for export to the USA.

Rationale

The licence holder must meet food specific export requirements.

Performance criteria

Written procedures and records to demonstrate that the commodity to be exported meets food specific export requirements as per the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network).

Verification activities

For licence holders that have implemented the Canadian Pathogen Reduction Monitoring Program for Salmonella and Campylobacter for raw poultry  to Appendix 1 – Poultry and Rabbit Slaughter PCI Implementation Verification Tasks of the Operational Guidance: Food Animal Slaughter – Preventive Control Inspection – Implementation Verification when conducting verification activities.

Document/records review

• Review the licence holder's written procedures related to sampling protocol of Salmonella and if applicable Campylobacter in raw products
• Review at least one week of the licence holder's Salmonella and Campylobacter test results, verify that:
  • the frequency of sampling is the same as stated in the licence holder's written sampling protocol
  • the samples are being analysed by an accredited lab
  • for all unsatisfactory and/or inconclusive results received by the licence holder:
    • the licence holder is following their written protocol for:
      • following the flow chart for analysing test results in the USA section – Annex U section U.5 of the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network)
      • notifying the veterinarian in charge (VIC)/inspector if the number of positive test within the set exceeded the "fail" threshold
      • implementing corrective actions and preventive measures
• Report on industry results for pathogen reduction performance standards
  • Read and follow the instructions on the reporting template for the applicable species.(Ensure you have the most recent version of the reporting template).
    • For Beef refer to the PRPSBeefTemplate (accessible only on the Government of Canada network – RDIMS #8668363
    • For Pork refer to the PRPSPorkTemplate (accessible only on the Government of Canada network – RDIMS #8668394
    • For Poultry refer to the PRPSPoultryTemplate (accessible only on the Government of Canada network – RDIMS #8668420
  • Send the completed Excel template to PRPS-NRRP@inspection.gc.ca by end of December 31 of each year.

On-site: Observation and interview

• Verify that the licence holder is following their written protocol for:
  • pre-sampling preparation procedures
  • random sample selection procedures
  • aseptic techniques/sampling procedures
  • sample shipping procedures
  • when applicable, the licence holder is able to demonstrate that a non-compliant situation is effectively controlled to bring hazards back into control and prevent re-occurrence

USA Generic E. coli sampling implementation for carcasses

Legal authorities

• SFCR
  • Commodity-specific requirements: 168

Outcome

Licence holder meets requirements related to generic E. coli sampling of carcasses for export to the USA.

Rationale

The licence holder must meet food specific export requirements.

Performance criteria

Written procedures and records to demonstrate that the commodity to be exported meets food specific export requirements as per the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network).

Verification activities

For licence holders that have implemented the Canadian Process Verification Monitoring Program for generic E. coli – Biotype I for raw poultry refer to Appendix 1 – Poultry and Rabbit Slaughter PCI Implementation Verification Tasks of the Operational Guidance: Food Animal Slaughter – Preventive Control Inspection – Implementation Verification when conducting verification activities.

Document/records review

• Review the licence holder's written procedures related to sampling protocol for generic E. coli sampling
• Review at least one month of the licence holder's E. coli test results and verify that:
  • the frequency of sampling is being adhered to as per the licence holder's generic E. coli sampling written protocol
  • sampling/testing methods used for E. coli testing achieve a sensitivity of a least 5cfu/cm²
  • lab results are maintained by the licence holder for at least 12 months
  • licence holder determines the process to be "in control" or "not in control" as per the values for 'm', "M" and "C"
  • when the process was determined to be not "in control":
    • licence holder follows their written protocol for corrective actions including initiating and documenting:
      • an investigation into the cause
      • corrective actions and preventative measures
    • the VIC/inspector was notified

On-site: Observation and interview

• Verify that:
  • the licence holder follows sampling preparation procedures
  • the licence holder follows Random selection of carcass procedures
  • the licence holder follows carcass sample collection procedures
• Interview to verify that the licence holder is following their written protocol for:
  • sample shipping procedures (where samples are analyzed offsite)
  • sample analysis procedures (where samples are analyzed onsite)

Risk-based Shiga toxins-producing E. coli verification sampling of beef trimmings (beef slaughter establishments)

Legal authorities

• SFCR
  • Commodity-specific requirements: 168

Outcome

Licence holder meets requirements related to Shiga toxins-producing E. coli verification sampling of beef trimmings for export to the USA.

Rationale

The licence holder must meet food specific export requirements.

Performance criteria

Written procedures and records to demonstrate that the commodity to be exported meets food specific export requirements as per the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network).

Verification activities

As pertains to raw boneless beef manufacturing trimmings, i.e., pieces of meat remaining after steaks, roasts and other intact cuts are removed.

Document/records review

• Review the licence holder's written procedures related to risk-based Shiga toxins-producing E. coli verification sampling of beef trimmings (beef slaughter establishments)
• Review at least one month of the licence holder's sampling results from the laboratory, verify that:
  • the sampling frequency specified in the licence holder's export procedures is adhered to and is in accordance with USA section 3 of Annex D.2 of the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network)
  • laboratory analysis methods meet the requirements of USA section 8 of Annex D.2 of the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network)
  • the licence holder has notified the inspector/ VIC of all presumptive positive results

On-site: Observation and interview

• Verify that:
  • all sample collection procedures specified in the licence holder's written control program are adhered to and are in accordance with USA sections 4, 5 and 6 of Annex D.2 of the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network)
  • the licence holder communicates to his contracted laboratory that all results obtained under this program are to be communicated to the CFIA's Food Safety Division as per the requirements of USA section 9 of Annex D.2 of the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network)
• For lots that have tested positive:
  • trimmings that test presumptive positive and/or confirmed positive for any of the seven STEC of interest must not be exported to the USA
  • the licence holder may choose to confirm the presumptive positive results or treat presumptive positives as confirmed positives and as such can only dispose of these trimmings as per the guidance for E. coli O157 in their written PCP
  • in the case that the implicated trimmings were distributed, the inspector will immediately notify the area operations specialist and area recall coordinator

USA RTE meat and poultry products – Sampling program for non food contact surfaces (NFCS)

Legal authorities

• SFCR
  • Commodity-specific requirements: 168

Outcome

Licence holder meets requirements related to verification sampling plan for detection of Listeria NFCS for export to the USA.

Rationale

The licence holder must meet food specific export requirements.

Performance criteria

Written procedures and records to demonstrate that the commodity to be exported meets food specific export requirements as per the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network).

Verification activities

In order to meet the US export requirements (USA section 1.4 Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network)), the mandatory NFCS sample must be collected by the licence holder in alternate fiscal year at the time of first sampling of Food Contact Surfaces (FCS) under random sampling plan M205. The task must be conducted by the CFIA when the mandatory NFCS sample is collected by the licence holder.

Document/records review

• Review the licence holder's written procedures related to USA RTE meat and poultry products – Sampling program for non food contact surfaces, verify that it includes:
  • frequency of testing
  • sample collection procedures including preparation and shipping procedures
  • laboratory analysis and scope of accreditation
  • laboratory results distribution
  • follow-up of unsatisfactory results
  • record keeping

On-site: Observation and interview

• Observe the licence holder sampling (interview if necessary), verify that: 
  • all sample collection procedures specified in the licence holder's written export procedures is followed

Note: The task will remain open until the receipt of laboratory results for the licence holder's sampling observed by the CFIA. If the laboratory results is positive for Listeria spp., the task remains open until follow up sampling is completed by the licence holder.

USA Retained water protocol (red meat)

Legal authorities

• SFCR
  • Commodity-specific requirements: 168

Outcome

Licence holder meets requirements related to moisture retention for export to the USA.

Rationale

The licence holder must meet food specific export requirements.

Performance criteria

Written procedures and records to demonstrate that the commodity to be exported meets food specific export requirements as per USA section – Annexes Y, Y-1 and Y-2 of the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network).

Verification activities

Document/records review

• Review the licence holder's written procedures related to moisture retention protocol or if the licence holder does not have moisture retention protocol, review data that demonstrates products do not retain water as a result of the process
• For establishments without a written protocol verify that:
  • the licence holder can demonstrate that the product is not exposed to a post-evisceration process that may add water
  • if no moisture retention occurs, the licence holder has completed at least one test comprised of the standard procedure demonstrating that the products do not retain water as a result of the process
  • this data includes at least statistical analysis and corresponding description of the carcass washing and chilling procedures
• For establishments with a written protocol, verify that it includes:
  • procedures that include a description of how random carcasses will be selected, tagged and weighed
  • procedures that ensure that the green weight is recorded on the kill floor after trimming and before carcass washing
  • procedures that ensure that the final weighing of sample carcasses is being completed prior to leaving the coolers for shipping or further processing
  • post-cooler weights that are compared to the pre-final carcass wash weights to determine the retained water gained using a mathematical difference calculation (cooler exit weight minus "green" weight [pre-final carcass wash weight]) as a percentage
  • protocol explains how data obtained are to be reported and summarized. The criteria for evaluating the results and the basis for conclusions to be drawn should be explained
  • protocol provides a statement of what the data obtained demonstrated and what conclusions were reached

On-site: Observation and interview

• For establishments without a written protocol, verify that:
  • the carcass washing and chilling procedures described in the data reflects the conditions in the establishment
• For establishments with a written protocol, verify that:
  • the information in the written protocol (type of washing and chilling system and the configuration of the chiller/cooler system) reflects the conditions in the establishment

USA Retained water implementation (red meat)

Legal authorities

• SFCR
  • Commodity-specific requirements: 168

Outcome

Licence holder meets requirements related to moisture retention for export to the USA.

Rationale

The licence holder must meet food specific export requirements.

Performance criteria

Written procedures and records to demonstrate that the commodity to be exported meets food specific export requirements as per the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network).

Verification activities

Only completed for establishments required to have a written retained water control protocol. Dependant on the process, red meat could retain water from washing the carcasses and intervention steps. The US only allows moisture at 0.5% and the licence holder has to demonstrate their process meets this requirement. See results of the USA Retained water protocol (red meat) task.

Document/records review

• Review the licence holder's written procedures related to moisture retention protocol and corresponding data that demonstrates products do or do not retain water as a result of the process
• Select at least one product eligible for export to the USA that is covered by a moisture retention protocol. Request at least one week of monitoring records, verify that:      
  • the licence holder follows the frequency of monitoring indicated in the written program
  • the licence holder completes all of the required fields on the records
  • the licence holder initiates corrective actions and preventative measures when deviations occur

On-site: Observation and interview

• Verify that the licence holder is following their written monitoring protocol for:
  • the number of lots sampled
  • the selection of the sample lots
  • the sample size determination
  • the calculation of the percentage of weight gain or loss
  • lot acceptance/rejection decision
• Verify that:
  • the process at the establishment (type of washing and chilling system and the configuration of the chiller/cooler system) continues to reflect the process details in the written protocol

USA Sampled returned product controls

Legal authorities

• SFCR
  • Trade: 22(1)(b)
  • Preventative control plan: 89(5)
  • Commodity-specific requirements: 168

Outcome

Licence holder meets USA export requirements.

Rationale

The licence holder must meet food specific export requirements.

Performance criteria

Written procedures and records to demonstrate that the commodity to be exported meets food specific export requirements as per the USA section – Annexes J and J-2 of the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) and the Operational Procedure: Return (import) of exported meat products from the United States, pending the results of US laboratory analysis.

Verification activities

Document/records review

• Review the licence holder's procedures related to the control of meat products that have been exported to the USA and returned to an establishment where it is stored and handled in its imported condition by a licence holder pending receipt of USA laboratory analysis results
• Instructions related to FSIS laboratory reports:
  • when FSIS reports satisfactory laboratory results, the product may be released. If the lot is to be re-exported, the inspector will ensure that the product is recertified for export
  • when FSIS reports unsatisfactory laboratory results, the product is not eligible for export to the USA. For further guidance, refer to Operational Procedure: Return (import) of exported meat products from the United States, pending the results of US laboratory analysis.

Note: The task will remain open until the receipt of FSIS laboratory results.

• Upon request to return product to the meat establishment verify that authorization has been previously granted
• Conduct a review of the licence holder's written procedures for returned product controls, verify that they include the following components ofthe USA section – Annex J-2, section 4.1.9 of the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network):
  • any meat products exported to the USA and returned to the licence holder's establishment pending FSIS laboratory results are clearly identified, put on hold and are isolated in a designated storage area
  • if the intent is to process the returned product while waiting for the FSIS laboratory test results:
    • the method to trace the product during the processing steps
    • any segregation procedures to follow during processing
  • If the intent is to ship the returned product to a second meat establishment for further processing or storage:
    • the control procedures at the shipping step (Note: The receiving establishment must have appropriate procedures in place to control the product). The name and establishment number of the receiving establishment must be provided to the CFIA before shipping.
• Review records that demonstrate control of the returned product

On-site: Observation and interview

• Upon return of the product at the establishment and at least once during the time the product is held at the establishment, verify that:
  • the licence holder is following their written procedures for returned product controls in order to prevent its release until acceptable results are reported by FSIS
  • interview personnel responsible for implementing the written procedures for returned product controls

Export supervisory activities

Legal authorities

• SFCR
  • Commodity-specific requirements: 168

Outcome

Licence holder meets foreign country requirements.

Rationale

The licence holder must meet food specific export requirements.

Performance criteria

Written procedures and records to demonstrate that the commodity to be exported meets food specific export requirements as per the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network).

Verification activities

To be completed by the Regional Veterinary Officer (slaughter establishments) or the Supervisor (processing and storage establishments).

Document/records review

• Review the licence holder's procedures related to the country (ies) that require(s) the supervisory visit, verify that:
  • the export procedures meet the country requirements
  • the licence holder follows the requirements outlined in the country's specific section in the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network)

Some countries have specific commodity export check lists (for example, Annex H for Japan) that must be attached to the inspection case in DSDP. Refer to specific country export requirements in Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) to determine which countries require export checklists. Refer to section A5.4.1 Standard Inspection Process for information on uploading documents into DSDP.

On-site: Observation and interview

• Verify that:
  • the licence holder is following their written procedures

Export Ractopamine/Beta-Agonist-Free Animal Program Verification

Legal authorities

• SFCR
  • Commodity-specific requirements: 168

Outcome

Licence holder meets export requirements related to the control of:

• Canadian Ractopamine-free Poultry Certification Program or
• Canadian Ractopamine-free Pork Certification Program or
• Canadian Beta-Agonist Free Beef Certification Program

Rationale

The licence holder must meet food specific export requirements.

Performance criteria

Written procedures and records to demonstrate that the commodity to be exported meets food specific export requirements as per the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network).

Verification activities

Document/records review

• Review the licence holder's written procedures related to ractopamine-free / beta-agonist free certification programs, verify that:
  • the licence holder's written export procedures meet the requirements stated in Annex T (pork), Annex U (poultry) or Annex V (Beef) of the introductory section of the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network)
  • the records demonstrate that the licence holder effectively maintains control of:
    • the monitoring frequency specified in the licence holder's written export procedures is adhered to
    • the monitoring and corrective actions results are documented
    • the licence holder corrects any deviations noted

On-site: Observation and interview

• Verify that:
  • the licence holder's export controls are implemented as written

Export Ractopamine/Beta-Agonist Randomized Statistical Testing

Legal authorities

• SFCR
  • Commodity-specific requirements: 168

Outcome

Licence holder meets export requirements related to the control of:

• Canadian Ractopamine-free Poultry Certification Program or
• Canadian Ractopamine-free Pork Certification Program or
• Canadian Beta Agonist-Free Beef Certification Program

Rationale

The licence holder must meet food specific export requirements.

Performance criteria

Written procedures and records to demonstrate that the commodity to be exported meets food specific export requirements as per the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network).

Verification activities

Document/records review

• Review the licence holder's procedures related to the randomized statistical testing for ractopamine (pork, poultry and beef) and zilpaterol (beef)

On-site: Observation and interview

• Verify that the licence holder is following their written procedures for:
  • sampling frequency
  • procedures related to carcass selection
  • procedures related to sampling of muscle, kidney or liver (depending on species/program) of randomly selected animals by specially trained abattoir staff under CFIA supervision
  • procedures related to shipping of samples and receiving of laboratory results meets the requirements stated in Annex T (pork), Annex U (poultry) or Annex V (Beef) of the introductory section of the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network)
  • procedures related to corrective actions when a sample is found positive
  • procedures related to record keeping

All Food- Foreign country requirements

Legal authorities

• SFCR
  • Commodity-specific requirements: 168

Outcome

Licence holder meets export requirements.

Rationale

The licence holder must meet food specific export requirements.

Performance criteria

Written procedures and records to demonstrate that the commodity to be exported meets food specific export requirements as per the Food export requirements library (food) and the Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network) (meat).

Verification activities

Document/records review

• Select at least one country where the establishment is approved to export food products to (the establishment is on a list of establishments approved to export to a specific country) or one country that does not maintain a list of approved establishments where the licence holder exports food products to. Review the licence holder's export controls related to export requirements for the selected country/countries, verify that:
  • information to demonstrate that the licence holder is aware and meets all additional requirements or restrictions for the selected country
  • the written procedures in place to ensure that only eligible food products are received and exported to the selected country or used for further processing in products intended for export to the selected country
  • the information provided by the licence holder demonstrates that all additional requirements and restrictions are up to date
• Complete any required annexes/checklists (for example, Annex M for meat to EU) as per the Food export requirements library and Meat Export Electronic Certification (accessible only on the Government of Canada network)
• If the additional export requirements include the requirement for written procedures, other than segregation, request the licence holder's specific written export procedures, verify that:
  • these written procedures meet the country requirements
• If the selected country requires segregation controls for ineligible products, request the following information from the licence holder:
  • the written procedures, if required by the importing country, and any documentation that demonstrates that controls are established at receiving. This includes approved supplier lists, invoices and letters of guarantee
  • the written procedures, if required by the importing country, and any documentation that demonstrate that controls are established during processing and storage when ineligible products are received at the establishment

On-site: Observation and interview

• If the additional export requirements include the requirement for written procedures, other than segregation, verify that:
  • the licence holder meets all additional export requirements and restrictions for the selected country
  • the licence holder is following the written procedures reviewed above
• If the selected country requires segregation controls for ineligible products, verify that:
  • the licence holder is following their receiving procedures and segregating ineligible product as required