Minister Sigurdson announces proposed amendments to the Meat Inspection Act. (Government of Alberta/YouTube)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

FROM $10K MAX TO $100K

Alberta government proposes larger fines for selling uninspected meat

Oct 30, 2024 | 4:12 PM

Through the Meat Inspection Amendment Act, the Government of Alberta is proposing increased fines for selling uninspected meat in response to increasing counts of the offence in the province.

Selling uninspected meat is illegal in Alberta as unregulated slaughter and food safety non-compliance can pose a risk to human and animal health, with the potential to harm Alberta’s entire livestock industry.

If passed, the act would increase the maximum fine for these incidents from $10,000 to $100,000, ideally working as a deterrent, and bring the province’s response in line with other jurisdictions, officials say.

“We are taking action to maintain public confidence in our food system. I strongly encourage all Albertans to buy their meat from licensed operators and retailers, and while buying meat, ask your retailer where the meat comes from and if it’s inspected,” said RJ Sigurdson, minister of agriculture and irrigation.

The Meat Inspection Amendment Act would also extend the timeframe during which investigations can be made and charges can be laid against offenders. Currently, investigators have one year after an offence to verify allegations of illegal slaughter or uninspected meat sales, and the act would increase that to two years from the date an inspector is made aware of the offence.

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