The Meat Inspection Regulations exempts certain meat products from the application of the Meat Inspection Act. One such exemption is item 3.(1)(i) which exempts certain foods in which the meat product is of an insignificant quantity. For these goods, CFIA letters of exemption are required.
As of September 30, 2013, CFIA no longer allowed any new exemptions that permit the importation of foods that contains more than 2% meat products. Since that date, food containing more than 2% meat products must comply with section 9 of the Meat Inspection Act. The expiry date for previously issued letters of exemption is September 30, 2014.
For foods that contain less than 2% meat products, CFIA letters of exemption will expire on November 30, 2013. CFIA is working with external stakeholders to determine what policy, procedure or documents would be required for new products containing less than 2% meat products and once the letters of exemption have expired.