This FAQ is intended to provide further guidance on the COVID-19 guidance for the Agriculture and Agri-Food sectors. We caution readers that due to the fluidity of the situation that the information may change on a daily basis. We will continue to update as new information is provided.

Please see our other articles on COVID-19 here.

COVID-19 Food Safety & Temporary Foreign Workers

1. Can I contract COVID-19 from food?

There is currently no evidence that COVID-19 is transmitted by food or on packages coming from infected areas. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends hand washing, thoroughly cooking meat and avoiding cross contamination between cooked and uncooked food during food handling and preparation.

2. What measures has the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFI A) put in place to safeguard Canada’s Food Supply?

  • Social distancing in all food, plant and animal production and processing businesses
  • Enhanced cleaning and sanitation in food facilities.
  • The CFIA does not anticipate any food recalls or withdrawals due to COVID-19 contamination.
  • The CFIA has a plan in place to address potential inspector absenteeism.
  • CFIA inspectors conduct daily health status self-assessments prior to each shift

3. What should livestock producers do if they have COVID-19 symptoms?

Livestock producers should follow normal biosecurity measures in place and avoid contact with animals, this includes visitors or workers who:

  • Have travelled abroad in the last 14 days
  • Are ill, especially with symptoms of COVID-19
  • Have been in contact with a confirmed or suspected case in the last 14 days

If you have concerns seek advice from your veterinarian or a public health professional.

4. Does the 14 day mandatory isolation apply to truck drivers crossing the border with commercial food or animals?

Truck drivers carrying food or animals for commercial purposes are exempt from the mandatory 14 day self-isolation period for COVID-19 in Canada and the United States. However, if the driver has been in one of the countries identified in the US presidential order, they will not be exempt.

For example, if the driver has travelled to a high-risk area such as the Islamic Republic of Iran in the previous 14 days, they may not be permitted entry into the US.

5. How has COVID-19 changed CFIA operations?

The CFIA offices are open by appointment only and the following activities are being prioritized:

  • Food safety investigations and recalls
  • Animal disease investigations
  • Inspection services
  • Export certification
  • Import inspection services
  • Emergency management
  • Laboratory diagnostics in support of the above

6. What rules apply to inspectors at food or animal facilities?

Inspectors are to comply with COVID-19 protocols in place by the establishments in which they work such as the monitoring of temperature upon arrival.

Inspectors are not to sign documents such as your company’s COVID-19 form as they are required to abide by the policies, procedures and terms of employment established by their employer, the CFIA. Inspectors are not obligated to share personal information with regard to their personal travels or health conditions.

7. How will temporary international workers be accommodated?

Foreign workers in agriculture, agri-food, seafood processing and other key industries will be allowed to travel to Canada under exemptions to the air travel restrictions that took effect on March 18.

The following applies to foreign workers:

  • Health screening before travel
  • Mandatory isolation for 14 days upon arrival in Canada
  • The maximum employment duration for workers in the low-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program has increased to 2 years

8. What other support measures are available to farmers?

  • Farm Credit Canada will receive $5 million in lending capacity for producers, agribusinesses and food processors who face cash-flow issues and who are impacted by lost sales.
  • Eligible farmers, who have an outstanding Advance Payments Program loan due on April 30, will receive a Stay of Default, allowing an additional 6 months to repay the loan.
  • Applicable farms may qualify for an additional $100,000 interest-free portion for 2020-2021 as long as their total APP is under $1 million.

 9. What are the travel restrictions and exemptions for temporary foreign workers?

To safeguard the continuity of trade, commerce, health and food security for all Canadians, temporary foreign workers in agriculture, agri-food, seafood processing and other key industries will be allowed to travel to Canada under exemptions to the air travel restrictions that took effect on March 18.

Allowing foreign workers to enter Canada recognizes their vital importance to the Canadian economy, including food safety and security for Canadians and the success of Canadian food producers.

In addition to health screening protocols before travel, all individuals entering from abroad must isolate for 14 days upon their arrival in Canada.

The arrival of foreign farm workers and fish/seafood workers is essential to ensure that planting and harvesting activities can take place. There will always be jobs available for Canadians who wish to work on farms and at food processing plants.

The Government of Canada is also increasing the maximum allowable employment duration for workers in the low-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program from 1 to 2 years. This will improve flexibility and reduce the administrative burden for employers, including those in food processing.

We are working closely with stakeholders through a joint Emergency Response Committee, consisting of key agricultural and food processing stakeholders and government officials. This will help respond to issues arising from the COVID-19 outbreak.

Please contact any Millards location if you have questions regarding Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan. Like so many of the client businesses we serve, Millards Chartered Professional Accountants has adopted COVID-19 procedures and protocols to guide safe interaction with others. In an effort to maintain social distancing, please contact us via phone or email only. Please continue to visit this website for further details on our current policies.