Alberta Government Looks To Increase Fines For Illegal Slaughter, Uninspected Meat

The Government of Alberta is responding to increased illegal slaughter and sale of uninspected meat by upping penalties for those caught, in an effort to protect consumers.

A news release from the provincial government notes that selling uninspected meat is illegal in Alberta, adding that illegal slaughter and food safety non-compliance pose a risk to human and animal health and could harm the livestock and meat processing industry.

If passed, the Meat Inspection Amendment Act would increase fines from a maximum of $10,000 to $100,000 for each offence.

The proposed changes would support food safety for Albertans without increasing consumer costs for inspected meat or operating costs for industry.

In addition to increasing fines, amendments would extend the amount of time to investigate and lay charges for the illegal slaughter and sale of uninspected meat.

RJ Sigurdson, Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, is quoted in the news release saying “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.” 

Any meat or meat product that is sold or distributed in Alberta must come from an inspected slaughter facility or processing facility.