Part I publication allows for comments on the proposed amendment to be made before they’re eventually published in Part II of the Canada Gazette, making it law. The CPC encourages its members and industry partners to participate in the public comment period which will end on 13 August 2012.

CPC President Jean-Guy Vincent recognized that Canada is one of the few countries in the world initiating a national swine traceability system. "Traceability is gaining popularity in highly valued local and international markets. By being one of the first countries to implement a national traceability system the Canadian pork industry has an opportunity to improve its market competitiveness," said Mr Vincent. "When combined with other CPC programs such as Animal Care, Canadian Quality Assurance and the Canadian Swine Health Board biosecurity program, a federally recognized and enforceable traceability program will continue to differentiate our product as a leader in the world pork market."

The CPC’s PigTrace Canada program is intended to reduce the impacts of a disease outbreak or food safety issue affecting the pork sector. The program’s traceability system will collect swine movement information that can be used to quickly contain disease outbreaks or food safety issues, and reduce related negative impacts to the pork sector as a whole.

"We have held extensive consultations with industry stakeholders over the years, and feel that a federally regulated swine traceability system is an important tool for protecting animal health and food safety," stated Curtiss Littlejohn, Chairman of the CPC’s Traceability Committee. "It’s important in today’s market that the pork industry meets the growing global demand for food product attributes and the need to verify those consumer requirements with complete value chain traceability."

The proposed regulatory amendment, as published in Part I of the Canada Gazette, can be found at http://www.gazette.gc.ca/index-eng.html along with comment instructions and the closing date. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is also offering teleconference information sessions for those seeking a detailed explanation of the proposed amendment. Multiple sessions are planned for the week of July 23, 2012. Invitation is available by request to [email protected].