For Immediate Release
December 7, 2007

MEAT PROCESSING PLANT AND OPERATOR CONVICTED UNDER THE FOOD SAFETY AND QUALITY ACT

NEWMARKET - A Gilford man and the meat processing plant he owns and operates have been convicted for illegal disposal of inedible (not intended for human consumption) materials. The charges arose from an investigation by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR).

On November 30, 2007, L & M Meat Distributing Inc. and Teodoro Lauri, plant owner/operator, pleaded guilty in the Ontario Court of Justice in Newmarket, to one count each under Ontario Regulation 31/05 of the Food Safety and Quality Act, 2001. The court heard that an investigation conducted by MNR revealed that Lauri, while being the operator of L & M Meat Distributing Inc., a provincially licensed slaughter plant, disposed of inedible materials in a manner not in accordance with the regulation. The offences occurred between April and July 31, 2007.

Justice of the Peace C. Dube sentenced the company to a fine of $2,000 plus a victim fine surcharge. Lauri received a suspended sentence.

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs' (OMAFRA) meat inspection program is part of Ontario's food safety system, which maximizes the safety of Ontario food products by combining a thorough inspection system with educational programs, laboratory support and a comprehensive legislative framework. The Meat Regulation (O. Reg. 31/05) under the Food Safety and Quality Act, 2001, provides for the inspection of animals and carcasses in slaughter plants, and regulates conditions and methods of operation. This legislation is administered by OMAFRA with investigative and prosecution services provided by MNR.

- 30 -

Contacts:
Gwen McBride
OMAFRA
(519) 826-3112

Rodger Dunlop
MNR
(519) 827-6726

Disponible en français