FSIS audit calls for better sanitation controls at Canadian meat facilities

The audit awarded the Canadian Food Inspection Agency an "adequate" rating, the lowest acceptable rating for countries exporting food to the US.

FSIS says poultry producers must reassess their HAACP plans within 90 days

FSIS gives Canadian meat low grade

USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service released results of an audit of Canadian meat slaughter plants that were critical of sanitation and humane animal handling issues at the facilities. FSIS awarded the Canadian Food Inspection Agency an "adequate" grade, the lowest acceptable rating for a country permitted to export food to the US. The audit was based on a tour of seven processing facilities, two laboratories and five Canadian Food Inspection Agency offices.

Inspectors noted sanitation issues including rust on overhead pipes, flaking paint and grease spots on conveyer belts. The new rating will mean increased inspections of Canadian products at the US border as well as more audits.