CCA and CMC welcome proposed SRM regulatory changes

The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) and the Canadian Meat Council (CMC) are welcoming proposed federal regulatory amendments that would modernize Canada’s specified risk material (SRM) requirements, a move they say would improve the competitiveness of Canada’s beef industry while maintaining the country’s strong food safety standards.

Next step in modernizing

Published in the Canada Gazette, Part I on July 11, the proposed amendments to regulations related to the Enhanced Feed Ban mark the next step in updating Canada’s SRM requirements following the country’s achievement of negligible risk status for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in 2021.

According to CCA and CMC, the proposed changes are the result of several years of collaboration between industry organizations, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). The publication begins a 60-day public consultation period, during which stakeholders will have an opportunity to provide feedback.

“The draft regulations are a positive sign of removing BSE-era requirements and a meaningful step towards removing unnecessary burden without risking food safety,” said Andrea Brocklebank, CCA Chief Executive Officer and Co-Chair of the Industry Working Group.

“Together with industry partners and government officials, we have worked tirelessly to see the Canada Gazette process start as soon as possible — this is good news for our industry and our competitiveness and CCA looks forward to engaging in the consultation process along with our members and stakeholders.”

Reducing costs while maintaining food safety

Canada’s beef processing sector has continued to operate under SRM requirements that exceed those in the United States, despite both countries now holding negligible BSE risk status. Currently, approximately 57 kilograms of SRM must be removed and disposed of from each Canadian carcass, compared with about three kilograms in the United States.

According to CCA and CMC, those additional requirements cost the Canadian meat industry an estimated $31.7 million annually. The cost of SRM removal and disposal is estimated to range from $62 to $320 per metric tonne, averaging approximately $167 per metric tonne.

“The publication of these draft regulations is an important milestone for Canada’s red meat processing sector,” said Kyle Larkin, President and CEO of the Canadian Meat Council.

“These proposed changes represent a science-based approach that maintains Canada’s strong food safety system while reducing unnecessary costs for processors.”

CCA and CMC say the proposed amendments would better align Canada’s SRM requirements with current science and with those in the United States, helping reduce unnecessary costs while preserving Canada’s high food safety standards.

Both organizations will consult with members and stakeholders before submitting comments during the 60-day Canada Gazette consultation period.