Ottawa, ON (February 28, 2017) – The Canadian Sheep Federation (CSF) is pleased to announce that it has completed Technical Review Part 2 of its Food Safe Farm Practices Program under the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA’s) Food Safety Recognition Program.? This CFIA-led management system review examined the CSF’s Food Safe Farm Practices Program and found that it meets Government Requirements for a Management Manual of a National Food Safety Program, supporting the production of safe food at the farm level.

“We’re pleased with the outcome of the management system’s technical review” says Phil Kolodychuk, CSF Chairman “and appreciate the CFIA’s recognition of our ability to deliver this program to Canadian sheep farmers and ranchers.? We would also like to thank Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada for partnering with us, providing project funding through Growing Forward 2.”

The Food Safety Recognition Program has been developed as a framework for industry groups to develop quality assurance programs for producers within their sector. A recognized quality assurance program is a positive step in helping to build consumer trust in Canadian lamb products in both domestic and international markets.

CSF Executive Director Corlena Patterson and National On-Farm Food Safety Coordinator Kristy House met with Martin Appelt (Director, Program Control and Performance Division ? CFIA), Dr Boubacar Sidibe (National Manager, Program Design and Modernization – CFIA), Iliyan Staykov (National Coordinator, Food Safety Recognition Program) and the rest of the Program team in Ottawa the morning of Feb 23^rd 2017 to accept the Certificate and Letter of Completion.

For more information about the Canadian sheep industry’s Food Safe Farm Practices Program, visit our website www.cansheep.ca, email us at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or give us a call at 1.888.684.7739.