Archived - Canadian Grain Commission signs agreement with OMAFRA to align HACCP-based programs

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Winnipeg, July 14, 2009 – The Canadian Grain Commission and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) signed an agreement that recognizes the Canadian Grain Commission’s Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)and Canadian Identity Preserved Recognition System (CIPRS) + HACCP programs as equivalent to Advantage Grain, part of the Advantage Series of Food Safety Programs™. The agreement means that Ontario grain companies will be able to qualify for both the Canadian Grain Commission’s programs and the OMAFRA program with just one audit.

Currently, three Ontario companies are certified under both the federal and provincial level of programs:

  • Thompsons Ltd.
  • Mike Snobelen Farms Ltd.
  • Hensall District Cooperative

HACCP is an internationally recognized system for managing food safety. A company’s inputs and processes are examined and potential food safety hazards are identified and controlled. An identity preserved system is a quality management program that maintains the unique traits or quality characteristics from seed through all stages to shipping.

CGC HACCP certifies a grain company’s food safety program, while CIPRS + HACCP certifies a company’s food safety and identity preserved program. Certification is based on the results of an audit conducted by a third-party audit company accredited by the Canadian Grain Commission. A grain company is audited against the Canadian Grain Commission’s Food Safety and Identity Preserved Quality Management System Standard. More information about these programs, including the standard, application documents and other tools, is available on the Canadian Grain Commission’s web site.

The agreement between the Canadian Grain Commission and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs ensures that the Canadian Grain Commission’s programs do not duplicate existing food safety programs offered by other levels of government or the private sector.

The Canadian Grain Commission is a federal agency responsible for establishing and maintaining Canada’s grain quality standards. Its programs result in shipments of grain that consistently meet contract specifications for quality, safety and quantity. The Canadian Grain Commission regulates the grain industry to protect producer’s rights and ensure the integrity of grain transactions.

Contact:

Laura Anderson
National Manager, Process Verification and Accreditation
Canadian Grain Commission
Telephone: 204-983-2881
Email: laura.anderson@grainscanada.gc.ca