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By Curtis Galbraith

Agriculture

CFIA pauses traceability rules

Jan 13, 2026 | 1:42 PM

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says it is pausing the publication of new traceability regulations. 

It adds that the new rules are not in place and have not been finalized. 

The CFIA says in a statement that this will be “until the proposed changes are more widely understood and concerns are heard and taken into consideration.” 

The proposals had drawn a lot of opposition and worry from the beef industry. 

The CFIA goes on to say in its statement that the changes were “meant to close the gaps in the current framework” and make the system stronger. 

Alberta Beef Producers had earlier put out a release asking that the changes be paused to “allow for additional, meaningful consultation with producers.” 

ABP thinks more review is needed. 

Both sides say in their statements that public consultation did take place in 2023. 

The changes include a requirement to get a Premises Identification (PID) number from provincial governments and to include this number when buying approved tags and giving information about cattle and their movements. 

ABP adds that PIDs have been required in Alberta since 2010. 

The movement of cattle that would have to be reported, according to ABP’s website, would include the day cattle go to and come home from community pastures, and movements to vet clinics, cattle shows, fairs and rodeos. Arrival and departure times would have to be reported within seven days of the cattle coming home. 

Auction markets would be required to report animals that arrive at their sales.