News Releases

CORRECTIONAL SERVICE OF CANADA SUSPENDS OPERATIONS OF PRIVATE FIRM'S MEAT PROCESSING PLANT AT PITTSBURGH INSTITUTION

Ottawa, October 8, 2003 - On Tuesday, October 7, 2003, Correctional Service of Canada suspended operations of a meat processing plant operated by a private firm on the grounds of Pittsburgh Institution located in Joyceville, Ontario. The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food also suspended the private firm's licence.

This precautionary action was taken when CSC received allegations of questionable practises at the processing plant. CSC immediately contacted the police as well as the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF).

Some allegations are related to the operation of the plant and raised concerns about the meat slaughtering and labelling process at the plant. The appropriate provincial authorities are investigating these allegations.

Meat products from the plant are distributed by the meat processing firm, and CSC purchases some of the product for distribution to our institutions in Ontario and Quebec. Provincial authorities have advised that there is no known threat to public health.

CSC is cooperating closely with the police and the provincial food authorities as well as also conducting an internal investigation.

For further information contact:

Guy Campeau
Correctional Services of Canada, Ottawa
(613) 947-3372