Alberta government proposes larger fines for selling uninspected meat
Through the Meat Inspection Amendment Act, the Government of Alberta is proposing increased fines for selling uninspected meat in response to increasing counts of the offence in the province.
Selling uninspected meat is illegal in Alberta as unregulated slaughter and food safety non-compliance can pose a risk to human and animal health, with the potential to harm Alberta’s entire livestock industry.
If passed, the act would increase the maximum fine for these incidents from $10,000 to $100,000, ideally working as a deterrent, and bring the province’s response in line with other jurisdictions, officials say.
“We are taking action to maintain public confidence in our food system. I strongly encourage all Albertans to buy their meat from licensed operators and retailers, and while buying meat, ask your retailer where the meat comes from and if it’s inspected,” said RJ Sigurdson, minister of agriculture and irrigation.