The Establishment-based Risk Assessment model for renderers
In a world of changing risks, innovation and new technologies, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is adapting to be more efficient and responsive. Risk-informed decision making is at the core of the agency's everyday work.
The CFIA has been evolving the way we manage risk to further support industry's ability to compete globally. We've been embracing technology to offer more efficient and responsive services to Canadians.
The Establishment-based Risk Assessment model for renderers (ERA-Renderer) is a tool developed by the CFIA to evaluate inedible rendering plants based on their feed safety risk, which includes both animal health and food safety risks. Indeed, the model considers the risk of rendered products for the health of livestock in Canada (animal health risk) as well as the risk the food products (such as milk, meat, egg) derived from these animals may represent to the consumers (food safety risk). The ERA-Renderer model uses establishment data and a mathematical algorithm to assess the feed safety risks of inedible rendering plants required to obtain a permit under the authority of the Health of Animals Regulations. The model takes into consideration:
- risks associated with different types of products used for processing and specific operation practices
- mitigation strategies implemented by the industry to control their feed safety risks
- rendering plant compliance information
The ERA-Renderer model will be used, along with other factors, to inform where CFIA inspectors should spend more or less time, focusing efforts on rendering plants of greatest risk.
How the Establishment-based Risk Assessment model for renderers works
The ERA-Renderer model uses scientific data and establishment-specific information to evaluate a rendering plant and determine its level of risk. How often an inspection occurs will be guided by the risk category in which a rendering plant falls, as assigned by the ERA-Renderer model. Higher risk rendering plants require more oversight while lower risk rendering plants require less oversight.
Using collaboration and innovation
The ERA-Renderer model was developed by the CFIA in collaboration with experts from academia and industry. The development of this model drew on the experience acquired while developing the ERA-Food (for domestic food establishments), ERA-Hatchery and ERA-Feed Mill models.
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