Public education
Meat Traceability and Recalls
Last reviewed: 2026-08-18
If a food-safety problem is discovered after meat has left a facility, traceability records help identify which lots were affected — so product can be removed from sale rather than guessing.
What traceability means in practice
- Production records that link product to a specific day, lot or batch
- Source information about incoming animals or raw materials where required
- Shipping records showing where product was sent
- One-step-back and one-step-forward tracking for many supply chains
Recalls
When authorities or a company identifies a hazard, affected product may be recalled from distribution. Traceability makes targeted recalls possible. Not every facility sells product nationally — recall scope depends on where product was distributed.
Federal (Canada)
Federal traceability
CFIA sets traceability expectations for many federally registered meat products under the Safe Food for Canadians framework.
- CFIA — Traceability for meat products · Official guidance
- Safe Food for Canadians Regulations · Regulation
Common questions
- Can I trace meat back to the farm from a package?
- Sometimes partially. Retail labels may include establishment numbers or lot codes. Full traceback requires facility records that are not usually public — but regulators and companies use them during investigations and recalls.
Official sources
Primary references for this guide. Guidance documents explain expectations; laws and regulations are enforceable requirements.
- CFIA — Traceability for meat products · Official guidance
- Safe Food for Canadians Regulations · Regulation
- O. Reg. 31/05, Meat · Regulation
- Meat Inspection Regulation (AR 42/2003) · Regulation
Related guides
From Animal to Package: The Journey Through a Licensed Facility
Nine stages from arrival to traceability — in plain language.
What Happens When Something Goes Wrong?
Detection, correction, recheck and documentation — the mature food-safety pattern.
Why Temperature Control Matters in Meat Facilities
Chilling, monitoring and what facilities do when temperatures drift.
Who Regulates Meat in Canada?
Federal CFIA, Alberta and Ontario systems — similar goals, different rules.
For licensed facilities
InspectionDay helps operators organize recurring checks, records, evidence and corrective actions in one operational workflow. InspectionDay does not inspect facilities or replace government oversight.
Explore InspectionDay for meat facilities