Canada Proposes Poultry Equivalence Program

November 30, 1999

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has proposed a new slaughter inspection program for chicken, turkey and fowl in Canadian establishments that process poultry, including those that export to the United States. USDA says it must determine whether the program is equal to U.S. poultry slaughter inspection standards.

USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service is making available a paper prepared by the Canadian FIA that describes its proposal for a new slaughter inspection program for poultry in Canadian establishments. The Canadian government has requested that the United States consider the Modernized Poultry Inspection Program proposal to pilot-test a revised slaughter inspection system.

USDA says a determination of equivalency will be necessary before any Canadian MPIP establishment may export poultry to the United States. FSIS will determine whether Canada's MPIP meets all USDA requirements for the import of poultry products and affords U.S. consumers the same level of public health protection provided by USDA domestic poultry slaughter inspection.

FSIS is requesting public comment on the Canadian proposal before making any equivalency decisions or taking any action on the MPIP document. Written comments should be submitted to the FSIS Docket Clerk, Docket #99-048N, Room 102 cotton Annex, 300 12^th St. SW, Washington, DC 20250-3700 on or before January 28, 2000.