FUNDING SUPPORTS FOOD SAFETY, MEAT PROCESSING INDUSTRY

PRINCE GEORGE – Government is providing support for meat processors to help with the transition to the Ministry of Health’s Meat Inspection Regulation, Minister of Agriculture and Lands Pat Bell announced today.

In addition to extending the implementation date by one year to Sept. 30, 2007, $5 million in funding is being provided to help industry meet requirements for a uniform meat inspection system that will ensure food safety and ongoing public confidence in the food supply.

“British Columbians must be able to rely on all commercial outlets to provide safe and inspected meat products,” said Bell. “This move will help ensure livestock producers across the province will have access to small slaughter facilities, which is so important to small farms with an existing base of loyal customers.”

The Meat Inspection Regulation provides provincewide standards for inspection and processing of all animals slaughtered for sale. As part of the Food Safety Act, the regulation fosters ongoing public confidence in food safety and the food supply and protects public health. The regulation requires that all of the meat offered for sale is inspected to ensure it is safe.

“I am very pleased to see us moving to a standard of protection that means B.C. consumers can continue to have access to and confidence in a safe and nutritious food supply,” said Dr. Perry Kendall, Provincial Health Officer.

Industry has indicated over the last several months that there were some concerns about the financial effects of the regulation’s original implementation timeline. Government has responded with the extension and the funding to help industry upgrade or build livestock slaughter facilities. The Ministry of Health will also extend the current policy of no inspection fees until 2012.

Plants that have already upgraded to the new provincial licensing standards can apply for funding for eligible program purposes retroactive to July 23, 2004.

“We commend those processors who have already completed upgrades to their facilities,” added Bell. “They are leaders and will be eligible for the retroactive funding component of the program.”

The B.C. Food Processors Association (BCFPA) has agreed to deliver the Meat Transition Assistance Program to help slaughter facilities comply with the regulation. The Investment Agriculture Foundation of B.C. will hold the funds and provide financial administration services for the program. Individual processors can apply for the funding through the BCFPA. Regions will also be encouraged to look at innovative or collaborative solutions, such as small-scale or mobile facilities, to meet local needs.

“BCFPA is pleased to see the government’s response in advancing a program that addresses some of the challenges facing the meat industry,” said Gay Hahn, chair of the B.C. Food Processors Association. “BCFPA supports the intent of the regulation as an appropriate framework to protect public health and to enhance the competitiveness of the meat industry in B.C. We look forward to continuing to work with industry and government to develop the details of the program and ensure that it meets everyone’s needs.”

The Meat Inspection Regulation does not apply to the slaughter of meat by an animal’s owner for personal consumption. For more information on the Meat Inspection Regulation, see www.healthservices.gov.bc.ca/protect/meat_inspection.html.

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2 backgrounder(s) attached.
Media contact:	Liz Bicknell Communications Director Ministry of Agriculture and Lands 250 356-2862 250 213-3072 (cell)	Marisa Adair Communications Director Ministry of Health 250 952-1889 250 920-8500 (cell)

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