Navigating CFIA Romaine Testing Requirements with PrimusLabs
Understanding How LGMA Appendix C Can Help with Compliance
On July 23rd 2021, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued a notice confirming their intent to again implement a comprehensive sampling and testing requirement for romaine lettuce originating from the Salinas Valley of California, as well as salad mixes containing such lettuce. The requirement will take the form of a license condition which will be in effect from September 30 to December 31, 2021. While CFIA has not released the exact verbiage of the requirement (as of 9/2/21), it is expected that the requirements will be largely similar to the requirements enacted at the end of the 2020 growing season.
The actions taken by FDA and California LGMA have been well received by CFIA, and they are currently analyzing whether they will accept LGMA Pre-Harvest test scheme as outlined in Appendix C as an alternative to the cooler-level test and hold requirements from 2020. While they again have not announced a final decision yet, it is expected that if approved, organizations could use either post production test-and-hold or pre-harvest testing following Appendix C guidelines to satisfy the comprehensive sampling and testing requirement for imported romaine, but would not require both.
Click on this link for more information on the LGMA Appendix C Pre-Harvest testing recommendations, and how PrimusLabs can help you meet them! Please note this document is based on the most recent DRAFT revision released by Western Growers on 8/27/2021 and is still subject to change pending the release of the finalized document.
Full text of the July 23 CFIA announcement can be found here. While information is currently limited, we are happy to answer what questions we can, and will provide further information on the requirements once available.
