Canada : New Legislative Framework for Animal Traceability

The federal government initiated a livestock traceability program, following on the heels of several provincial programs. Initially, the federal traceability program was touted as a means through which Canada could increase its competitiveness in foreign markets. However, in the process of implementation, both Canadian industry and government officials are claiming unexpected advantages; i.e. tracking of livestock during environmental crisis such as floods and fires. The Conference Board of Canada, a moderate think tank, just published a study which recommends that all firms in the food supply chain need to be able to accurately trace products or ingredients one step forward and one step back in the supply chain. Many food industry firms in Canada already comply with the principle of one-step-forward and one-step-back because of export requirements, private standards, and/or their own internal food safety practices. However, current expectations are that traceability systems must all link together so that the entire food supply chain is covered.