Alberta’s government has announced significant changes to its meat inspection regulations, prompted by a recent surge in illegal slaughter operations and the sale of uninspected meat.
The proposed Meat Inspection Amendment Act aims to increase fines for offenders from a maximum of $10,000 to $100,000 per offense.
“We are taking action to maintain public confidence in our food system,” said Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, RJ Sigurdson.
The Minister added, “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.”
The amendments also extend the timeframe for investigating complex cases from one to two years, allowing authorities more time to build comprehensive cases against offenders.
The development comes in the wake of several high-profile cases involving the illegal slaughter and distribution of uninspected meat in Calgary and surrounding areas.
In April, Alberta Health Services issued closure orders to several Calgary businesses: Bangla Bazar-Butcher Shop, Bombay Meat Masala & Samosa Factory, and Glassy Junction/Bikaner Sweethouse & Restaurant. The first two of these businesses were only allowed to re-open this month. The Glassy Junction remains closed to this day.
Moreover in June, the RCMP charged four men with illegally slaughtering sheep, goats, and cows to supply halal restaurants in southern Alberta.
Raed Alnajar, 48, along with Waeel Alhamawi, 35, and Amer Alhamawi, also 35, were charged with failing to have animals inspected prior to slaughter, selling or transporting uninspected meat, and dealing in livestock without being a licensed livestock dealer, while Tareq Alhamawi, 41, was charged specifically with selling or delivering uninspected meat.
