Canada Announces Import Requirements for U.S Leafy Green Vegetables
May 4, 2007
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced today a new import requirement on U.S. leafy greens. Effective June 1, 2007, shippers must declare whether the product was grown in California or in a state other than California. In addition, if the product has been grown in California, it must be from a signatory handler of the California Leafy Green Products Handler Marketing Agreement (Handler Marketing Agreement). These requirements apply to all U.S. shipments of leafy green vegetables either sold in bags, in bulk, or combined with other fresh food items. According to CFIA, U.S. shippers should start implementing these requirements by May 21, 2007 so that compliance is achieved at the Canadian border by June 1, 2007. Enforcement actions by the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) and CFIA will be initiated on June 1, 2007. The Handler Marketing Agreement, the list of signatory handlers and the Leafy Green GAPs can be found at: http://www.caleafygreens.ca.gov/. For more information, contact René Cardinal, A/National Manager, Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Program, Agrifood Division of the CFIA, at (613) 221-7214.
United Fresh Produce Association
1901 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: 202 303 3400
Fax: 202 303 3433 united@unitedfresh.org
