Fort Macleod meat-processing plant has licence suspended

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has suspended the Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) licence, effective Feb. 17, for a meat-processing plant in Fort Macleod, Alta.

In an emailed release Friday, the CFIA said Bouvry Exports Calgary Ltd. failed to comply with regulations related to operational sanitation procedures to prevent cross-contamination of food, and preventative control measures for the detection of E. coli and temperature deviation in carcasses.

The CFIA also determined there was a risk of injury to the public if the company “continued to conduct the activities identified in the licence.”

The licence can be reinstated once the proper corrective measures are taken by Bouvry Exports, but can also be cancelled if that does not happen within 90 days.

Licences can also be cancelled when the licence holder is notified of grounds for cancellation, and given an opportunity to be heard.

Global News received a statement from director of operations Eliot Bouvry on Friday. In it, he said the company is going “above and beyond” to have the plant back up and running as soon as possible.

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“At this time, we are working very closely with the CFIA to rectify all of the corrective actions,” Bouvry said.

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“Due to the suspension of our license, we regret some layoffs have occurred. This includes dedicated employees from the town of Fort MacLeod, the Blood Reserve and the Piikani Nation, as well as employees that live in the surrounding areas such as Lethbridge, Claresholm, etc.”

Bouvry said the company understands the social and economic impact of the closure affects both its employees and cattle ranchers, feeders, livestock producers, and transport companies who rely on the company in southern Alberta.

Bouvry closed its Fort Macleod plant for a week in May 2020 after an employee tested positive for COVID-19. Occupational Health and Safety issued three orders related to COVID-19 procedures, and safety at the facility.

The CFIA says as of Friday morning, there were no food recalls related to the Feb. 17 licence suspension.