The Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) will be updated to add a date of signing on the letterhead required since November 30, 2018 following the outbreak of E. coli O157 illnesses in Canada linked to romaine lettuce harvested in California (USA).
- Shipments of romaine lettuce from California must be accompanied by a letterhead, on a separate page, showing a Proof of Origin with the date of signing and the signature of the exporter declaring the municipality, county and the state (California) where romaine lettuce was harvested.
- Shipments of salads originating from all of the USA, containing romaine lettuce, will have to be accompanied by a letterhead, on a separate page, showing a Proof of Origin with the date of signing and the signature of the exporter declaring the municipality, county and state where romaine lettuce was harvested.
- Shipments of salads originating from all of the USA, which do not contain romaine lettuce, will have to be accompanied by a letterhead, on a separate page, with the date of signing and the signature of the exporter with the following text: “Does not contain romaine lettuce.â€
We encourage brokers and importers to submit their transactions in advance.
If you have any questions, please contact the CFIA National Import Service Centre (NISC) from 7:00 AM to 3:00 AM (Eastern Time) at 1.800.835.4486 (Canada or USA).