We have had a query from one of Members with respect to Packaging, Food Safety and the CFIA.  If you are able to help, please comment below:

Food packaging suppliers may voluntarily submit their package(s) to the CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) for a chemical safety assessment. This process if anyone has been through it is very cumbersome to say the least.

Food processing plants (who have implemented a HACCP program) when inspected, one of the elements looked at is that the package the food is being packed in has been listed on the CFIA web site as accepted packaging material.

Long winded I know to get to my questions, thanks for being patient!

Packaging companies servicing the food industry on this list, when you submit your 'package' for no objection to the CFIA, is it a finished package or the product that will be coming into contact with the food? What I mean by this is i.e. polyethylene (PE), printed on one side, the printed side of the package doesn't come into direct contact with the food. Do you send to CFIA the finished package (printed) or the plain film not printed? Do you conduct independant migration testing of your finished package?

Food processors who have an implemented HACCP or similar food safety program, is the CFIA no objection status meeting your needs? Is it needed at all? If your packaging supplier has documented evidence of migration testing is this sufficient to meet your needs?

Look forward to your feedback.
Della