The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is in the process of modernizing its feed regulations to better protect animal health, food safety, and the environment. If you’re a feed manufacturer, importer, or distributor, the CFIA feed regulatory modernization will impact your operations and compliance requirements directly.
The new framework focuses on risk-based oversight, clarity, and adaptability. But navigating these changes can feel overwhelming without clear guidance. In this post, you’ll learn what’s changing, why it matters to your business, and how you can stay ahead of compliance issues.
Keep reading to prepare your team and avoid costly delays or enforcement actions.
Why is CFIA updating its feed regulations?
Canada’s feed regulations haven’t seen a major overhaul since 1983. As the global feed industry evolves and new risks emerge, the outdated regulations are no longer aligned with current science, trade needs, and safety standards.
The CFIA feed regulatory modernization aims to:
- Strengthen food safety and animal health
- Reduce regulatory burden through clearer requirements
- Support innovation and international trade
This update is also part of CFIA’s broader initiative to modernize all its regulatory frameworks under the Safe Food for Canadians Act.
Key changes under CFIA feed regulatory modernization
Understanding what’s changing is essential for staying compliant. Here are some of the most significant updates:
1. Licensing requirements
Licensing will now be mandatory for all commercial feed businesses involved in manufacturing, exporting, importing, and distributing feed products. This applies even if you’re only dealing with a single feed ingredient.
2. Hazard identification and preventive controls
Businesses must implement written Preventive Control Plans (PCPs) that outline how they identify and mitigate hazards during feed production and handling. These plans should be risk-based and tailored to your operation.
3. Product labelling and composition
The new regulations clarify labelling requirements for both single-ingredient feeds and mixed feeds. Clear, consistent labels ensure that end-users understand what’s in the feed, reducing safety risks and improving traceability.
4. Ingredient authorization process
The list of approved feed ingredients is being restructured. Each ingredient must meet a specific standard before it can be included in the Feeds Ingredient Table. Businesses submitting new ingredients must provide data to support safety and efficacy.
Learn more about the modernization initiative on the CFIA’s official page.
What does this mean for your business?
If you’re not proactive, these changes could disrupt your feed supply chain. Without the required licence or a compliant PCP, you may face shipment holds, import rejections, or penalties.
But the good news is: you still have time to adapt. By starting now, you can streamline your compliance process and avoid last-minute stress when the new regulations come into effect.
What if my feed business is small or low-risk?
Smaller operations often think the rules don’t apply. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. Whether you’re a niche importer or a regional mill, the CFIA feed regulatory modernization applies across the board.
However, the framework is designed to be scalable. If your operation poses lower risk, your preventive controls may be simpler. But you still need documented processes, traceability, and proper labelling.
How to prepare for the new CFIA feed regulations
Here are a few steps you can take now to get ready:
- Assess your current practices: Review your hazard control, documentation, and labelling practices.
- Develop or update your Preventive Control Plan: Make sure it aligns with CFIA’s expectations.
- Gather documentation for licensing: Have records ready to show how you meet safety standards.
Need help interpreting these requirements or building a compliant plan? That’s where we come in.
Why work with Quality Smart Solutions
At Quality Smart Solutions, we guide businesses through every step of feed regulatory compliance. From licensing and ingredient submissions to preventive control plans and product labels, our team ensures you meet CFIA’s updated requirements with confidence.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us for tailored support. You can also explore our Animal Feed Compliance Services to see how we can help your business stay compliant.
