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CFIG participated in another conference call update today between the CFIA and the PHAC on the status of the Romaine Lettuce from Salinas, California.
One question that CFIG raised—and strongly—was with respect to why this was an Advisory, as opposed to a recall. We pointed out that in a recall, the costs are clearly absorbed by the supplier. When just an advisory, it becomes more nebulous as to who is on the hook, particularly for small and medium size businesses who do not have the leverage of a chain.
The explanation we have received is that an Advisory has been issued here because when the USDA issues an advisory telling American consumers not to eat Romaine lettuce from that region, Canada has to err on the side of protecting our consumers, by doing the same. They cannot sit back and wait for a specific farm or brand to be identified and then issue a recall.
Notwithstanding, CFIG emphasized the need to take this issue under advisement and to understand the cost implications of one sector, in the absence of a recall. CFIA has indicated they will discuss this issue further with CFIG and we will keep you apprised of those discussions.
