Fisheries committee  In this particular study, the ability to identify something as being misrepresented was based on the regulatory requirements and the fact that these common names did not match with those on our fish list, which matches the scientific name with the common name. In this instance, again, it was specific to verifying whether the guidance we provide to industry was being followed with respect to the scientific names and the common names.

Fisheries committee  Mr. Chair, not seeing the actual label itself, I will try my best to provide the answer. In Canada the safe food for Canadian regulations require that most prepackaged food be labelled with specific information to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions. This is consistent across all foods.

Fisheries committee  Food must be labelled with the origin of the food. That's required in our regulation. The use of the word “Pacific” and other denominators or originators like that is, of course, voluntary and not prescribed within our regulations. That information can be applied, as long as it's truthful and not misleading.

Fisheries committee  Unfortunately, I don't have access to the product that you're referring to. It's difficult for me to answer that question.

Fisheries committee  The requirement with respect to country-of-origin labelling is that a product be labelled as coming from the country in which the food has undergone the last substantial processing step that has changed the nature of the food. This is consistent with the international standards set by Codex Alimentarius.

Fisheries committee  The rules around traceability pertain to food safety and not necessarily the method or location of the catch. The traceability requirements in the safe food for Canadians regulations were quite clear that each exchange of product, of food, along the supply chain must keep documentation records as to who received the food and where the food came from.

Fisheries committee  Good morning, Mr. Chair. I appreciate the opportunity to speak with committee members today on seafood traceability. My name is Tammy Switucha and I'm the executive director in the policy and programs branch at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Before I begin, I'd like to acknowledge that I am addressing you from Ottawa on the unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin nation.

Agriculture committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'd be happy to answer that question from the member. First, I'd like to begin by stating that the Safe Food for Canadians Act and regulations require that imported food must meet all the same regulatory requirements as food that's produced in Canada, so when it comes to imports, all imported products are treated equally, as they would be treated for those that are produced and sold in Canada.