Regulation - LGIC

Proposed Changes to the Term of a Licence for Provincially Licensed Meat Plants through Amendments under the Food Safety and Quality Act, 2001 (FSQA).

Regulation Number(s):
O.Reg. 31/05
O.Reg. 223/05
Instrument Type:
Regulation - LGIC
Bill or Act:
Food Safety and Quality Act, 2001
Summary of Decision:
The proposal has been approved. The amendments to O. Reg. 31/05 (Meat) and O. Reg. 223/05 (Fees) under the FSQA will take effect January 1, 2011. The amendments will apply to all provincially licensed meat plants in Ontario.

The amendments include provisions that will:
- Increase licence terms from one year to three years.
- Grant authority to the director to reduce the term of a licence based on past conduct of an operator and if it is in the public interest to do so (e.g. a significant food safety issue).
- Establish a transition period to stagger the licence renewals.
- Establish the fee payable upon application for issuance or renewal of a licence at $300.
Further Information:
Proposal Number:
10-AFRA013
Posting Date:
August 9, 2010
Summary of Proposal:
The proposed amendments to regulations under the FSQA would change the requirement for meat plant licences to be renewed annually to requiring meat plant licences to be renewed every three years. The director would have the authority to reduce the term of a licence if the conduct of the operator required such action and it is in public interest to do so.

The proposed regulatory amendments will maintain the cost of each license renewal or issuance at $300, to be paid by meat plant operators. This fee is based on the cost to process each application.

All plants will be moved to a three year licence by 2012.

These proposed amendments would significantly reduce administrative burden for both Ontario’s over 500 meat plant operators and OMAFRA while maintaining food safety and public health in Ontario.
Contact Address:
Julie Jamieson
Policy Advisor
Food Safety and Environmental Policy Branch
1 Stone Road W., 2nd Floor, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 4Y2
Phone:519-826-3753
Fax:519-826-3492
Effective Date:
January 1, 2011
Decision:
Approved