February 24, 2014, Ottawa: Canada and the United States have agreed to harmonize the terminology used for wholesale cuts of meat. This common understanding of terms will benefit industry through reducing costs of maintaining separate inventories, easing trade and reducing red tape and regulatory burden.
As of February 24, 2014, selected meat cut names including chicken breast fillets, beef hip and lamb leg and chops can be used interchangeably with their U.S. equivalent. The full list of eligible names that can be used interchangeably with the U.S. equivalent are listed in the CFIA's Meat Cuts Manual and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications document.
The CFIA's current Meat Cuts Manual remains in effect and must be used for all other meat names when certifying and verifying these names for wholesale trade purposes.
Jeff English
Director of Communications
The Office of Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture
613-773-1059
Media Relations
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
613-773-6600
