Canadian Beef Industry Encouraged by Proposed Regulatory Amendments to Improve Competitiveness
July 14, 2026
Ottawa, Ontario—The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) and the Canadian Meat Council (CMC) are encouraged to see Canada Gazette 1 Part I, Volume 160, Number 28: Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Relating to Harmonization of the Enhanced Feed Ban published on July 11, 2026 which includes long-sought updates to Canada’s specified risk material (SRM) requirements. This proposed regulation will benefit Canada’s beef industry by saving millions annually and improving our competitiveness with the United States.
Since 2021, when Canada obtained its bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) negligible risk status, CCA and CMC have been working with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) officials to review Canada’s SRM requirements. Through years of sustained advocacy, CCA and CMC helped establish an industry-government working group to advance the review and move the regulatory process forward. The Canada Gazette 1 publication is the next step, which will include a 60-day consultation period with stakeholders.
“The draft regulations are a positive sign of removing BSE-era requirements and a meaningful step towards removing unnecessary burden without risking food safety. Together with industry partners and government officials, we have worked tirelessly to see the Canada Gazette process start as soon as possible—this is good news for our industry and our competitiveness and CCA looks forward to engaging in the consultation process along with our members and stakeholders,” says Andrea Brocklebank, Co-Chair of the Industry Working Group and CCA Chief Executive Officer.
“The publication of these draft regulations is an important milestone for Canada’s red meat processing sector. For years, processors have been operating under SRM requirements that no longer reflect Canada’s negligible BSE risk status and place our industry at a competitive disadvantage compared to the United States. These proposed changes represent a science-based approach that maintains Canada’s strong food safety system while reducing unnecessary costs for processors. The CMC appreciates the collaboration between industry and government and looks forward to participating in the consultation process to help finalize these important regulatory updates,” said Kyle Larkin, President & CEO of the Canadian Meat Council.
Canada’s specified risk material (SRM) requirements impose significant costs on the beef processing sector. The additional costs associated with SRM removal and disposal are estimated to range from C$62 to C$320 per metric tonne, with an average cost of approximately C$167 per metric tonne. Collectively, these requirements cost the Canadian meat industry an estimated C$31.7 million annually.
These costs stem from Canada’s more extensive SRM requirements, which have remained in place despite Canada and the United States both holding negligible BSE risk status. Canada currently requires the removal and disposal of approximately 57 kilograms of SRM per carcass, compared to just 3 kilograms in the United States. The proposed regulatory amendments would better align Canada’s requirements with current science and those of the United States, helping reduce unnecessary processing costs while maintaining Canada’s strong food safety standards.
CCA and CMC will consult with members and stakeholders and will be submitting comments during the Canada Gazette period.
About the Canadian Meat Council: The Canadian Meat Council (CMC) is the national voice of Canada’s federally licensed red meat industry, representing packers, processors, and suppliers across the beef, pork, veal, lamb, and bison sectors. For more than a century, CMC has championed policies that strengthen the industry’s global competitiveness, from securing market access at home and abroad to advancing a modern, evidence-based regulatory environment. CMC members take pride in delivering world-class, high-quality, safe food to consumers both at home and in markets around the world. Recognized as a trusted authority and voice on red meat-related issues, CMC works closely with government and stakeholders to support high standards in food safety, animal welfare, and sustainability, while delivering value and advocacy for its growing membership. For more information, visit www.meatcouncil.ca
About the Canadian Cattle Association: The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) is the national voice, through our provincial members, of Canada’s 60,000 beef farms and feedlots. Founded by producers and led by a producer-elected board of directors, CCA works to address issues that concern Canada’s beef producers. For more information, visit www.cattle.ca
For media inquiries, please contact:
Tina Zakowsky, Communications Manager
Canadian Cattle Association
403-451-0931 | zakowskyt@cattle.ca
Julia Pennella, Communications Manager
Canadian Meat Council
julia@meatcouncil.ca
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