Canadian Beef Industry Encouraged by Proposed Regulatory Amendments to Improve Competitiveness

Ottawa, Ontario—The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) and the Canadian Meat Council (CMC) are encouraged to see Canada Gazette 1 Part I, Volume 160, Number 28: Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Relating to Harmonization of the Enhanced Feed Ban published on July 11, 2026 which includes long-sought updates to Canada’s specified risk material (SRM) requirements. This proposed regulation will benefit Canada’s beef industry by saving millions annually and improving our competitiveness with the United States.

Since 2021, when Canada obtained its bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) negligible risk status, CCA and CMC have been working with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) officials to review Canada’s SRM requirements. Through years of sustained advocacy, CCA and CMC helped establish an industry-government working group to advance the review and move the regulatory process forward. The Canada Gazette 1 publication is the next step, which will include a 60-day consultation period with stakeholders.

“The draft regulations are a positive sign of removing BSE-era requirements and a meaningful step towards removing unnecessary burden without risking food safety. Together with industry partners and government officials, we have worked tirelessly to see the Canada Gazette process start as soon as possible—this is good news for our industry and our competitiveness and CCA looks forward to engaging in the consultation process along with our members and stakeholders,” says Andrea Brocklebank, Co-Chair of the Industry Working Group and CCA Chief Executive Officer.

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