22 November 2023
Purpose
This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to advise industry that a new export listing is now available for ‘intermediate facilities’ intending to export raw meat (excluding kangaroo, pork, poultry and wild boar) for the manufacture of pet food to Canada. Canada defines an ‘intermediate facility’ as an establishment which only handles (process/pack/store or export) inedible grade meat.
Summary of changes and key points
- As advised in Meat Market Access Advice 2354 (MAA2354), previously ineligible intermediate facilities will soon be eligible to export raw inedible meat for the manufacture of pet food to Canada once negotiations for new health certification are completed.
- The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) may now issue the new ‘Canada – Pet Meat – Intermediate Facility’ export listing to establishments following an audit for compliance with Canada Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA’s) import requirements for intermediate facilities.
- Interested establishments can now contact their approved audit service provider to arrange an audit for the export listing ‘Canada – Pet Meat – Intermediate Facility.’ These establishments will need to demonstrate compliance with Canada’s import requirements including sourcing from CFIA approved abattoirs and segregation of eligible raw materials.
- CFIA approved edible meat export registered establishments (e.g. abattoirs, integrated facilities and cold stores) are already eligible to export raw inedible meat to Canada. There is no change to the market access for these types of establishments and they do not require the intermediate facility audit and export listing.
Next Steps
- The department will publish a further Market Access Advice about a revised health certificate once more information is available. Until negotiations are finalised, trade from eligible establishments (not including intermediate facilities) is ongoing using existing certification.
Background
- Under existing certification conditions, exports of raw meat (excluding kangaroo) for the manufacture of petfood to Canada must only be from CFIA approved edible meat establishments. The list of approved slaughter, processing, packaging, handling, and storage facilities is published on the CFIA’s website.
Contact information
Establishments which are members of the Pet Food Industry Association of Australia (PFIAA) are encouraged to liaise with the industry body as the approved third-party body able to undertake audits of pet food establishments which cover export elements.
If you have any questions regarding this advice, please email the Non-prescribed Goods Export Program
Christine Mulhearn
Assistant Secretary
Residues and Food Branch
Exports and Veterinary Services Division
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry