Decisions for hearings held under
the Food Safety and Quality Act, 2001

Hearing decisions are posted for a maximum of one month.

For decisions that are not posted, contact the Enforcement Coordinator.

Hearing Process

Hearings are adjudicated by a Director designated as such by the Minister of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs under the Food Safety and Quality Act, 2001. The Ministry is generally represented at the hearing by the Enforcement Advisor.

All hearings are conducted in accordance with the Statutory Powers Procedures Act.

Under current OMAFRA legislation, the Director may suspend or revoke a licence.

For abattoirs, suspension of a licence means that no slaughter can take place during this time. This equates to a loss of production during that period - in many cases, a substantial economic loss and a significant deterrent.

Following a hearing, the Director may impose one, or a combination, of the following orders on the owner/operator of a licensed facility or operation:

• Licence continues with conditions, ie. operations are allowed to continue with restricted activities, or corrective action must be taken within a prescribed timeframe;
• Determination of disposition of detained or held product;
• Licence is suspended for a specified period of time or until specified corrective action is taken;
• Licence is revoked. This means that the facility closes and slaughter operations cease completely;
• Licence application or renewal is refused;
• Other orders to bring facility into compliance with the legislation.

Hearing Decisions

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