|
What is the SFCR?
- Passed in 2012. SFC Act & Regulations are the primary food laws in Canada
- The SFC Act applies to the import and export of Food Products
- The three pillars of SFCR: Licensing, Preventive controls, Traceability
- Put in place for safer: quicker food checks, quicker recalls, better controls on imported food, more visibility on violations for unsafe food practices.
- Three governing bodies overseeing Food safety in Canada: Health Canada (Sets Food standards, CFIA – Canadian Food Inspection Agency (operational and licensing), Public Health (recalls etc.)
Who Needs a License?
Relevant to the Promotional Product Industry
- Any Company Importing Food – Working with NC Custom for your food needs means you do not require this license. We hold the SFCR license as well as our Importer license for our FOB Canada entry point.
- Any company Packaging or Labeling Food for Export
Examples:
- NC Customs sells our mints, bulk, to other suppliers in the industry – they repack them – they need their own SFCR license to export into Canada.
- If a distributor would need to ship food products outside of Canada from their location, they would require the SFCR license. By utilizing NC Custom and shipping directly from our NY location, this requirement would not be necessary.
What is required to secure the SFCR License?
The requirements are costly and rigorous, by using a vendor such as NC Custom you are secure in your food purchases.
- There is a cost associated to acquire the license and maintain.
- Companies must identify all controls to produce food and ensure they meet all regulations, including weight controls, label controls, and so forth.
- Companies must also maintain detailed and documented policies, procedures, and records.
- All companies that are licensed will be audited by the CFIA.
- Companies must also have a Preventative Control Plan (PCP) in place. This is a written document that demonstrates how hazards and risks to your food and products are identified and eliminated.
- Traceability requirements: companies must be able to trace products production from start to finish. Including all ingredients and packages back to original vendors and all levels of distribution. With supporting documentation.
At NC Custom, we recognize the complexities and challenges companies face when navigating the Safe Food Canada Act & Regulations (SFCR).
As the leader in the food category within our industry, we take pride in upholding the highest standards of food safety. We handle all necessary documentation for your orders, allowing you to concentrate on your customers instead of compliance issues.
|
