The provincial government has proposed two changes to the Meat Inspection Act to help stop the sale of uninspected meat.
The sale of uninspected meat is illegal in Alberta, because illegal slaughter and food safety non-compliance can pose a risk to the health of both human and animals.
Illegal slaughter can also cause harm to the entire livestock and meat processing industry in Alberta.
Because of that, the Alberta is wanting to pass the Meat Inspection Amendment Act.
At a media conference on Wednesday, October 30, the Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, R.J. Sigurdson, stated that there has been increase in the amount of illegal slaughtering of animals, as well as the sale of uninspected meats in the province.
In fact, the number of investigations has doubled in the past two years.
"This poses a serious risk to the health and safety of all Albertans, especially children, seniors, and vulnerable Albertans," Sigurdson explained. "We have proposed two changes to the Meat Inspection Act to address these illegal activities and to ensure that Albertans remain confident that our food supply provides safe, high-quality meat."
Under the amended Act, the fines for not complying to food safety laws and selling uninspected meat will go up from the current $10,000 maximum to a maximum of $100,000 per offence committed.
"This is necessary, because it is becoming increasing apparent that the current $10,00 fine isn't substantial enough to deter illegal activity. The second proposed change is to extend the time allowed to investigate and lay charges," Sigurdson says.
Currently, the Meat Inspection Act only allows inspectors one year to investigate allegations of uninspected meat sales or illegal slaughter.
But, under the amended act, the investigation timeframe for complex cases will be extended to two years from the date the offence came to the attention of an inspector.
"We are taking action to maintain public confidence in our food system. I strongly encourage all Albertans to buy their meat from licensed operators and retailers, and while buying meat, ask your retailer where the meat comes from and if it’s inspected," Sigurdson stated in an accompanying media release.
Inspection of meat is necessary to help make sure there are no diseases in the meat that makes it into the homes of consumers.
There are 65 meat inspectors and program specialists in Alberta who support licensing, inspections, and surveillance.
There are also 121 abattoirs that produce inspected meat under supervision of provincial meat inspectors.
To learn more about the proposed changes to the Meat Inspection Act, click here.
