Alberta to increase fines for selling uninspected meat

The Alberta government, in the interest of protecting human and animal health as well as the meat industry, is increasing the penalties for the sale of illegal uninspected meat.

The Alberta government, in the interest of protecting human and animal health as well as the meat industry, is increasing the penalties for the sale of illegal uninspected meat.

The government's Meat Inspection Amendment Act, tabled in the legislature on Wednesday, aims to increase fines for anyone who is involved in the sale of uninspected meat or the illegal slaughter of animals.

According to Alberta Agriculture, the illegal slaughtering and butchering operations run the gamut from individual unlicensed mobile butchers to groups with province-wide distribution netting over a half a million dollars in sales per year.

Agriculture Minister R.J. Sigurdson said under the new legislation, offenders could face a maximum fine of $100,000 for each offence, up from $10,000.

"This is necessary because it has become increasingly apparent that the current $10,000 fine is not substantial enough to deter illegal activity," said Sigurdsen at a morning press briefing.

"The proposed changes will not increase operating costs for industry or the cost of inspected meat for consumers, nor does it apply to those who sell and distribute meat legally. These changes are important to deter illegal activity and ensure Albertans have access to safe, high-quality sources of meat."

Officials say the amendments will work to improve overall food safety and protect the health and safety of all Albertans.