Traceability in Canada

Traceability is not new to Canadian agriculture. Tags, tattoos, brands and paper-based logbooks are all elements of traceability that have been employed for many years by both industry and government. Traditionally, traceability systems have been developed on a sector-by-sector basis.

There are three main pillars to traceability systems: the identification of animals or products, the ability to follow their movement, and the identification of departure and destination premises. Many industry sectors in Canada have solid traceability systems that have proven to be useful in emergency management.

Animal identification

Regulated animal identification programs currently exist for the beef cattle, dairy cattle, bison, and sheep sectors. The Canadian Cattle Identification Program (CCIP) was introduced in 2001 through an amendment to the Health of Animals Regulations and is applicable to all cattle and bison. The Canadian Sheep Identification Program (CSIP) followed in 2004. Both programs are mandatory in all provinces.

Under the CCIP and the CSIP, all bovine, bison and ovine animals must bear a registered ID tag before they leave their farm of origin. Information on cattle, bison and sheep from most provinces is stored in a central database maintained by the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA). The exception is the province of Quebec, where this information is stored in a database maintained by Agri-Traçabilité Québec (ATQ).

In the event of a disease outbreak or food safety emergency, the origins of tagged animals involved can be accessed by the CFIA.

Animal movement

The import and export of cattle, bison and sheep must be reported to a traceability database. Moreover, abattoirs must report the death or slaughter of cattle and bison.

Premises identification

In order for traceability investigations to be more geographically accurate, provincial governments have been given the lead to identify agriculture and food premises. This supports efforts made by the Canadian agriculture sector.

Enforcement

The CFIA enforces cattle, bison and sheep identification and movement reporting requirements. Violations of the requirements may result in warning letters, fines, or prosecutions under the Health of Animals Act.

The future of traceability in Canada

Recognizing industry's leadership and foresight in building the foundation for livestock traceability, federal, provincial and territorial agriculture ministers have committed to phasing-in a National Agriculture and Food Traceability System (NAFTS), beginning with livestock and poultry.

Industries and governments in Canada are working together to develop the NAFTS - a secure, sustainable and value-driven system that will provide timely and relevant traceability information that enhances emergency response and market competitiveness in a manner that best serves industries and governments.

The goal of the NAFTS is to build upon what has already been created in the agriculture and agri-food sectors.