17 Oct - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has advised all importers that imports of baby food or infant formula from all countries will require documentation attesting that the product and its milk ingredients were not sourced from China.
For infant formula and baby food that contains milk or milkderived ingredients from China, the CFIA will require documentation of analytical results indicating that melamine levels do not surpass the interim standards set by Health C anada of a maximum of 1.0 part per million (ppm). Laboratory results must be obtained through a laboratory acceptable to the CFIA and results must be available for CFIA review upon request.
For other foods imported from China that contain milk or milk-derived ingredients, documentation of analytical results will be required indicating that melamine levels do not surpass the interim standard of a maximum 2.5 ppm. The levels will apply to a combined concentration of melamine and cyanuric acid (a chemical generally found together with melamine).
According to the CFIA, the interim standards were developed using a consistent approach adopted by other food regulatory agencies in Europe, Australia, New-Zealand and the United States. Should new scientific evidence become available, Health Canada’s risk assessment will be reviewed and the interim standards will be re-examined. The new requirements are effective immediately, but will not be implemented until CFIA has finalized procedures and briefed inspection staff. CFIA inspection will be taking place at the importer’s distribution center, not at the border.