Ministry of Agriculture and Lands
Agricultural Policy Framework:
Canadian Food Safety and Quality Program
Food Safety Initiative
Background
The Food Safety Initiative is intended to increase the awareness, knowledge and support for the implementation of food safety management systems in eligible non-federally registered food processing plants. Its goal is to increase the number of non-federally registered food processing operations moving towards and/or having Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) food safety systems in their operations.
Food Safety Initiative Framework (PDF, 245KB)
At this time, there are two distinct elements within the Food Safety Initiative Program:
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Outreach
Funding for activities directed at the processing industry that advance food safety awareness, knowledge development and implementation of food process control systems. Initially, B.C. has allocated $2.64 million to an Outreach program. The B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Lands has entered into a comprehensive agreement with the B.C. Centre for Disease Control to deliver this program as per the agreed workplan.
B.C. Food Safety Initiative Outreach Workplan (PDF, 124KB) -
Implementation
The Implementation element is the second stage of the Food Safety Initiative after the Outreach element. It provides an opportunity for non-federally registered food processors in B.C. to implement food safety systems such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) or Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) and/or ISO 22000. The program is being delivered through the Small Scale Food Processor Association (SSFPA).
Processors accepted into the Implementation element may choose to either improve their GMPs or seek a HACCP certification (which includes GMPs plus at least one HACCP plan) from a certifying body acceptable to the Implementation element. They will undergo a gap analysis by a food industry consultant and write a work plan of food safety activities. Financial assistance will take the form of a 90% reimbursement towards the cost of "eligible expenses." "Eligible activities" will be reimbursed up to $15,000 for GMPs; up to $20,000 for successful HACCP certification and potentially an extra $9,000 for up to three additional HACCP plans.
B.C. Food Safety Initiative Implementation Workplan (PDF, 50KB)
Further information on the Food Safety Initiative can be found at the following links:
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This program may be downloaded free of charge from the Adobe web site (www.adobe.com)
A partnership between:
B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Lands
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
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