Archived - Repealing requirements for pre-market registration of construction materials, packaging materials, and non-food chemicals used in federally registered meat establishments

Please be advised, on July 2, 2014 the Government of Canada repealed the requirement for pre-registration of construction materials, packaging materials and non-food chemicals used in federally registered meat establishments through changes to the Meat Inspection Regulations, 1990.

With amendments to the Egg Regulations and Fish Inspection Regulations on May 8, 2013 there is no longer a similar regulatory requirement for fish, seafood and eggs. In addition, no regulations exist for dairy, fresh fruits and vegetables, non-meat manufactured and processed products.

While the CFIA no longer requires industry to obtain pre-approval of construction materials, packaging materials, non-food chemicals and working apparel, the Reference Listing of Accepted Construction Materials, Packaging Materials and Non-Food Chemical Products database will continue to be available through Canada.ca for reference purposes only. It is important to note that food establishments remain responsible for demonstrating that the construction materials, packaging materials and non-food chemicals used in their facilities are safe and suitable for their intended use. Table 1 in Guidance for Food Establishments Concerning Construction Materials and Packaging Materials and Non-Food Chemicals provides regulated parties with the different options to support this diligence on the part of the food industry (e.g. previously approved CFIA documentation, Health Canada letters and Supplier or Manufacturer Letters of Guarantee.)

Anyone who wishes to have their non-food chemical product or packaging material assessed in order to obtain a Letter of no Objection (LONO) can continue to voluntarily submit their application directly to Health Canada for an evaluation.

Health Canada will continue to evaluate submissions for packaging materials, incidental additives, and processing aids. If deemed safe for use, Health Canada will issue a LONO to you. Please note, in such cases, the CFIA's reference listing will not be updated as a result of these specific submissions.

For further information regarding Health Canada LONO, please contact:

Food Packaging Materials and Incidental Additives Section
Chemical Health Hazard Assessment Division
Bureau of Chemical Safety
Food Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch
Health Canada
251 Sir Frederick G. Banting Driveway, Tunney's Pasture
Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9 Address Locator: 2201C

Email: FPMIA-MEAAI@hc-sc.gc.ca
Telephone: 613-952-4028