Section 1 definition of "specified area" BEFORE amended by BC Reg 102/2010, effective April 23, 2010.
"specified area" means an area specified in the Schedule to this regulation;
Section 1 definitions of "animal unit", "pests" and "rural slaughter establishment" were added by BC Reg 102/2010, effective April 23, 2010.
Section 1 definitions of "carcass", "process", "processing area" and "transitional slaughter establishment" BEFORE repealed by BC Reg 58/2013, effective February 22, 2013.
"carcass" means the body of a dead animal and includes anything derived from or a part of the body of a dead animal;
"process" includes the cutting, deboning, smoking, curing and packaging of a carcass;
"processing area" means an area of a slaughter establishment in which carcasses are processed;
"transitional slaughter establishment" means a type of slaughter establishment that
(a) was operating before September 30, 2007 in an area of the Province that is outside all the specified areas,
(b) slaughters animals or slaughters animals and processes meat, and
(c) sells the meat referred to in paragraph (b) solely to residents of areas of the Province that are outside all the specified areas and on the condition that the meat is not resold.
Section 1 definition of "slaughter establishment" BEFORE amended by BC Reg 58/2013, effective February 22, 2013.
"slaughter establishment" means a food establishment in which animals are slaughtered or slaughtered and processed;
Section 1 definition of "temporary food market" was added by BC Reg 58/2013, effective February 22, 2013.
Section 1 definitions of "held", "meat products" and "slaughter establishment" BEFORE amended by BC Reg 205/2014, effective November 24, 2014.
"held" means, for an animal or carcass, detained by an inspector for further examination or inspection by an inspector;
"meat products" means anything derived from a carcass and includes organs, intestines and blood;
"slaughter establishment" means a food establishment in which animals are slaughtered and eviscerated and their carcasses sectioned and stored;
Section 1 definition of "specified area" BEFORE repealed by BC Reg 205/2014, effective November 24, 2014.
"specified area" means an area specified in Schedule 1 to this regulation;
Section 1 definitions of "emergency slaughter approval form", "food safety plan" and "veterinarian" were added by BC Reg 205/2014, effective November 24, 2014.
Section 1 definitions of "carcass", "farmgate slaughter establishment", "ID number" and "licensed abattoir" were added by BC Reg 213/2021, effective October 1, 2021.
Section 1 definitions of "food premises", "food safety plan" and "licence" BEFORE amended by BC Reg 213/2021, effective October 1, 2021.
"food premises" means "food premises" as defined in the Food Premises Regulation, B.C. Reg. 210/99;
"food safety plan", in relation to a rural slaughter establishment, means
(a) the written food safety plan submitted under section 5 (6) (d), if no revisions to the plan have been made under section 9.1 (3), or
(b) if revisions have been made under section 9.1 (3), the most recent written food safety plan for the rural slaughter establishment;
"licence" means a licence referred to in section 5 of the Act;
Section 1 definitions of "rural slaughter establishment" and "Stikine Region" BEFORE repealed by BC Reg 213/2021, effective October 1, 2021.
"rural slaughter establishment" means a slaughter establishment for which a Class D or E licence has been issued;
"Stikine Region" means the area comprising all the land in British Columbia that is not within the boundaries of a regional district or the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality;
Section 2 (4) (c) BEFORE repealed by BC Reg 80/2011, effective April 29, 2011.
(c) Schedule 2 applies to rural slaughter establishments operated under a Class E licence.
Section 2 (1) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 218/2012, effective July 19, 2012.
(1) The Act does not apply to
(a) a slaughter establishment that is registered under the Meat Inspection Act (Canada), or
(b) the slaughter of an animal by the owner of the animal for the owner's personal use and not for resale.
Section 2 (1.1) was added by BC Reg 218/2012, effective July 19, 2012.
Section 2 (2) BEFORE repealed by BC Reg 58/2013, effective February 22, 2013.
(2) This regulation, other than sections 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 16, 17, 18 and 30, does not apply to a transitional slaughter establishment.
Section 2 (4) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 205/2014, effective November 24, 2014.
(4) This regulation does not apply to a rural slaughter establishment, except as follows:
(a) sections 1, 4, 5, 5.01, 6, 7, 9.1, 16, 17, 18, 29, 30 and 33 apply to all rural slaughter establishments;
(b) section 19 applies to rural slaughter establishments operated under a Class D licence.
(c) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 80/2011, s. 2.]
Section 2 (5) and (6) were added by BC Reg 205/2014, effective November 24, 2014.
Section 2 BEFORE re-enacted by BC Reg 213/2021, effective October 1, 2021.
Application to establishments
2 (1) The Act does not apply to
(a) a slaughter establishment that is registered under the Meat Inspection Act (Canada).
(b) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 218/2012, s. 1 (a).]
(1.1) The Act does not apply to the slaughter of an animal if the following conditions are met:
(a) the slaughter occurs on the premises of the animal's owner;
(b) the slaughter is for the purposes of the personal consumption of the animal by
(ii) the owner's immediate household,
(iii) the owner's immediate family members, or
(iv) the owner's employees, if the employees are employed on the premises where the slaughter occurs;
(c) no part of the animal is sold to or otherwise made available for consumption by the public.
(2) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 58/2013, Sch. s. 2.]
(3) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 299/2007, Sch. B, s. 3.]
(4) This regulation does not apply to rural slaughter establishments, except as provided in subsections (5) and (6).
(5) This section and the following sections apply to all rural slaughter establishments:
(b) section 4 [designation of slaughter establishment];
(c) section 4.1 [classes of licences];
(d) section 5 [application for and issue of licence];
(e) section 5.01 [issuing Class D or E licences];
(f) section 6 [requirements for specific class of licence];
(g) section 6.1 [compliance requirements for Class D and E licence holders];
(h) section 7 [posting licence];
(i) section 9.1 [compliance requirements for operation of rural slaughter establishments];
(j) section 17 [package labels];
(k) section 18 [protection of carcasses from contamination];
(l) section 29 [record requirements];
(m) section 30 [purchase and sale of carcasses];
(n) section 33 [storage of chemicals];
(o) section 36 (2) [offences in relation to rural slaughter establishments].
(6) Section 19 [cooling and storage temperature] applies to rural slaughter establishments operated under a Class D licence.
[am. B.C. Regs. 408/2004; 76/2006, s. (a); 299/2007, Sch. B, ss. 2 and 3; 102/2010, s. 2; 80/2011, s. 2; 218/2012, s. 1; 218/2012, s. 1; 58/2013, Sch. s. 2; 205/2014, s. 2.]
Part 2 BEFORE re-enacted by BC Reg 213/2021, effective October 1, 2021.
Part 2 — Designation and Licensing
Designation of slaughter establishment
4 Subject to section 2 (1) and (1.1), slaughter establishments are designated as being subject to Part 2 of the Act.
[en. B.C. Reg. 299/2007, Sch. B, s. 4; am. B.C. Reg. 218/2012, s. 2.]
Classes of licences
4.1 The following classes of licences are established:
(a) Class A licences, issued in relation to slaughter at a slaughter establishment that has both
(ii) food premises referred to in paragraph (a) [meat product processing] of the definition of "slaughter establishment"
in the same building;
(b) Class B licences, issued in relation to slaughter at a slaughter establishment
(i) that is not required to have a Class A licence, and
(ii) for which no Class D or E licence has been issued;
(i) in relation to slaughter at a slaughter establishment that is located in a specific area as authorized under section 5.01 (1), and
(ii) for purposes of sale as permitted under section 6.1 (1);
(i) in relation to slaughter at a slaughter establishment that is located in a specific area as authorized under section 5.01 (2), and
(ii) for purposes of sale as permitted under section 6.1 (2).
[en. B.C. Reg. 205/2014, s. 4.]
Application for and issue of licence
5 (1) In order to obtain a licence for a slaughter establishment a person must
(a) apply to the minister on a form specified by the minister, and
(b) provide the minister with any information the minister reasonably requires in order to evaluate the application.
(2) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 299/2007, Sch. B, s. 5 (b).]
(3)-(5) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 58/2013, Sch. s. 3 (a).]
(6) In addition to the requirements of subsection (1), a person who applies for a Class D or E licence must do all of the following:
(a) and (b) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 205/2014, s. 5.]
(c) submit evidence of having successfully completed training that, in the opinion of the minister, is relevant to the operation of a rural slaughter establishment;
(d) submit a written food safety plan that identifies
(i) possible sources of contamination in the slaughter establishment before, during and after slaughter, and
(ii) the steps to be taken to ensure that carcasses in the slaughter establishment are not contaminated or are not otherwise made unfit for human consumption;
(e) if section 5.01 (1) or (2) (a) applies, establish that the slaughter establishment is within an area described in Schedule 2;
(f) if section 5.01 (2) (b) applies, consult with
(i) operators of licensed slaughter establishments within 100 km of the applicant's slaughter establishment, and
(ii) the municipality and regional district within which the slaughter establishment is located;
(g) if section 5.01 (2) (b) applies, submit the results of a feasibility study that addresses or reports on all of the following matters:
(i) the need for slaughter capacity of the species to be slaughtered in the area in which the slaughter establishment is located;
(ii) if the slaughter establishment will offer specialized slaughter, the need for specialized slaughter capacity in the area in which the slaughter establishment is located;
(iii) the geographic location of the slaughter establishment, including
(A) its proximity to a Class A or B slaughter establishment, and
(B) whether animals must be transported over marine waters to a Class A or B slaughter establishment if not slaughtered at the proposed Class E slaughter establishment;
(iv) the consultations referred to in paragraph (f).
(7) For the purposes of subsection (6) (g), a feasibility study must address the appropriateness of issuing a Class E licence outside an area described in Schedule 2 given both of the following:
(a) whether a Class A or B facility is viable in the area in which the slaughter establishment that is the subject of the application is located;
(b) whether any existing slaughter establishments can provide outreach slaughter services in the area in which the slaughter establishment that is the subject of the application is located.
[am. B.C. Regs. 299/2007, Sch. B, s. 5; 120/2008, s. 1; 102/2010, s. 3; 58/2013, Sch. s. 3; 205/2014, s. 5.]
Issuing Class D or E licences
5.01 (1) A Class D licence may be issued only in respect of a slaughter establishment within an area described in Schedule 2.
(2) A Class E licence may be issued in respect of a slaughter establishment located
(a) in an area described in Schedule 2, or
(b) in an area outside an area described in Schedule 2, but only on consideration of the factors set out in subsection (3) of this section.
(3) For the purposes of subsection (2) (b), the minister must consider the applicable of the following:
(a) the population density of the area in which the slaughter establishment is located;
(b) and (c) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 58/2013, Sch. s. 4 (b).]
(d) animal production levels in the area in which the slaughter establishment is located;
(e) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 58/2013, Sch. s. 4 (b).]
(f) the results of the feasibility study submitted under section 5 (6).
(g) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 58/2013, Sch. s. 4 (b).]
(4) A Class D or E licence must establish the area in which the licence holder may sell meat products from animals slaughtered at the slaughter establishment.
[en. B.C. Reg. 102/2010, s. 4; am. B.C. Regs. 58/2013, Sch. s. 4; 205/2014, s. 6.]
Requirements for specific class of licence
6 (0.1) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 205/2014, s. 7 (a).]
(1) A person must not operate a slaughter establishment in a building that also contains food premises referred to in paragraph (a) [meat product processing] of the definition of "slaughter establishment" unless the person holds a Class A licence.
(2) A person must not operate a slaughter establishment at a place other than a building referred to in subsection (1) unless the person holds a Class B, D or E licence.
[en. B.C. Reg. 299/2007, Sch. B, s. 6; am. B.C. Regs. 102/2010, s. 6; 58/2013, Sch. s. 5; 205/2014, s. 7.]
Compliance requirements for Class D and E licence holders
6.1 (1) The holder of a Class D licence for a rural slaughter establishment must ensure compliance with the following restrictions:
(a) in any compliance year, no more than 25 animal units are slaughtered at the slaughter establishment;
(b) meat products from the slaughter establishment are sold only in the area authorized by the licence and only to
(i) food premises located in that area,
(ii) consumers directly at a temporary food market in that area, or
(iii) consumers directly from food premises that are located on the same property as the slaughter establishment.
(2) The holder of a Class E licence for a rural slaughter establishment must ensure compliance with the following restrictions:
(a) in any compliance year, no more than 10 animal units are slaughtered at the slaughter establishment;
(b) meat products from the slaughter establishment are sold only in the area authorized by the licence and only to
(i) consumers directly at a temporary food market in that area, or
(ii) consumers directly from food premises that are located on the same property as the slaughter establishment.
(3) For the purposes of this section, the compliance year for a licence is the period that
(i) in the case of a new licence, on the date that the licence is issued, and
(ii) in any other case, on the anniversary of the licence issue date, and
(b) ends immediately before the next anniversary of the licence issue date.
[en. B.C. Reg. 205/2014, s. 8.]
Section 5 (3) to (5) BEFORE repealed by BC Reg 58/2013, effective February 22, 2013.
(3) In addition to the requirements of subsection (1), a person who applies for a class C licence for a transitional slaughter establishment must establish that
(a) the transitional slaughter establishment was operating on and before September 30, 2007, in a location of the Province that is outside all the specified areas,
(b) one of the following types of plan was submitted and has been approved under section 8:
(i) a plan for the construction of a new slaughter establishment to replace the transitional slaughter establishment for which the licence is sought, or
(ii) a plan for alterations to the transitional slaughter establishment for which the licence is sought to enable that slaughter establishment to meet the requirements for a Class A or Class B licence, and
(c) as of the date this paragraph comes into force1, the transitional slaughter establishment is operating in a location of the Province that is more than 100 km, or, if separated by marine waters, 15 nautical miles, from a slaughter establishment that
(i) is operated under a Class A or B licence,
(ii) slaughters animals of the same species as are slaughtered at the transitional slaughter establishment, and
(iii) slaughters animals that are not owned by the licence holder.
(4) If a person holds a Class C licence as of the date subsection (3) (c) comes into force2, subsection (3) (c) does not apply to the licence or any application to renew the licence made before December 31, 2009.
(5) An application for a Class C licence
(a) must be made by June 1, 2010, and
(b) may not be made in respect of a slaughter establishment within an area described in Schedule 2.
| 1. | June 5, 2008 |
| 2. | June 5, 2008 |
Section 5 (6) (b) (ii) (C) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 58/2013, effective February 22, 2013.
(C) will sell meat products to consumers directly from the slaughter establishment only;
Section 5 (6) (c) and (f) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 58/2013, effective February 22, 2013.
(c) submit evidence of having successfully completed training respecting food safety that, in the opinion of the minister, is relevant to the operation of a rural slaughter establishment;
(f) if section 5.01 (2) (b) applies, submit the results of a feasibility study made for the purposes of determining whether operation of a Class A or B slaughter establishment would be feasible generally in the area in which the slaughter establishment that is the subject of the application is located.
Section 5 (6) (g) was added by BC Reg 58/2013, effective February 22, 2013.
Section 5 (7) (part) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 58/2013, effective February 22, 2013.
(7) For the purposes of subsection (6) (f), a feasibility study must address the appropriateness of issuing a Class E licence outside an area described in Schedule 2 given both of the following:
Section 5 (6) (a) and (b) BEFORE repealed by BC Reg 205/2014, effective November 24, 2014.
(6) In addition to the requirements of subsection (1), a person who applies for a Class D or E licence must do all of the following:
(a) agree in writing to comply with the terms and conditions set out in the licence;
(b) agree in writing that the person,
(i) in the case of an applicant for a Class D licence, will slaughter in each year no more than 25 animal units, or
(ii) in the case of an applicant for a Class E licence,
(A) will slaughter only animals that the person owns,
(B) will slaughter in each year no more than 10 animal units, and
(C) will sell meat products to consumers only at approved food premises located on the same property as the slaughter establishment or at a temporary food market in the area to which the licence applies;
Section 5.01 (3) (part) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 58/2013, effective February 22, 2013.
(3) For the purposes of subsection (2) (b), the minister must consider all of the following:
Section 5.01 (3) (b), (c), (e) and (g) BEFORE repealed by BC Reg 58/2013, effective February 22, 2013.
(b) the need for slaughter capacity of the species to be slaughtered in the area in which the slaughter establishment is located;
(c) if the slaughter establishment will offer specialized slaughter, the need for specialized slaughter capacity in the area in which the slaughter establishment is located;
(e) the geographic location of the slaughter establishment, including
(i) its proximity to a Class A or B slaughter establishment, and
(ii) whether animals must be transported over marine waters to a Class A or B slaughter establishment if not slaughtered at the proposed Class E slaughter establishment;
(g) whether the applicant has consulted
(i) licensed slaughter establishments within 100 km of the applicant's slaughter establishment,
(ii) the municipality and regional district within which the slaughter establishment is located, and
(iii) residents of, and business establishments in, the regional district in which the slaughter establishment is located.
Section 5.1 BEFORE repealed by BC Reg 102/2010, effective April 23, 2010.
Plan exemption for certain Class C applicants
5.1 (1) In this section:
"business plan" means a plan relating to the proposed operation of
(a) a particular Class A or B slaughter establishment, or
(b) a Class A or B slaughter establishment in a particular area,
including a plan that assists in determining whether operation of that Class A or B slaughter establishment or operation in that area would be feasible;
"feasibility study" means a study to determine whether operation of a Class A or B slaughter establishment would be feasible generally in an area.
(2) This section applies to applicants for a Class C licence to whom both of the following criteria apply:
(a) the term of the licence, if a licence is issued, will not include any period following December 31, 2009;
(b) a feasibility study or business plan is being or is proposed to be undertaken, or has been completed but further steps are required
(i) to increase the feasibility of operating a Class A or B slaughter establishment,
(ii) to implement recommendations of the feasibility study, or
(iii) to implement the business plan.
(3) The minister may exempt applicants described in subsection (2) of this section from the requirement to have a plan under section 5 (3) (b) if, in the minister's opinion, it is necessary to maintain slaughter capacity in the area in which the transitional slaughter establishment is operating.
(4) For the purposes of making a determination under subsection (3), the minister must consider all of the following:
(a) both
(i) the need for slaughter capacity of the species to be slaughtered at the transitional slaughter establishment, and
(ii) potential challenges to the sustainability of a Class A or B slaughter establishment
in the area in which the transitional slaughter establishment will operate or is operating;
(b) the volume of animals proposed to be slaughtered during the term of the licence;
(c) the remoteness of the location of the transitional slaughter establishment, including its proximity to a Class A or B slaughter establishment.
(5) For the purposes of making a determination under subsection (3), the minister may refer the application to the minister responsible for the Animal Disease Control Act and that minister may provide an opinion in respect of the matters listed in subsection (4).
[en. B.C. Reg. 120/2008, s. 2.]
Section 6 (0.1) was added by BC Reg 102/2010, effective April 23, 2010.
Section 6 (2) (a) and (b) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 102/2010, effective April 23, 2010.
(a) the person holds a Class B licence, or
(b) in the case of a transitional slaughter establishment, the person holds a Class C licence.
Section 6 (2) (c) was added by BC Reg 102/2010, effective April 23, 2010.
Section 6 (0.1) (a) and (b) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 58/2013, effective February 22, 2013.
(a) Class A licences, issued for the purposes of general slaughter and processing;
(b) Class B licences, issued for the purposes of general slaughter only;
Section 6 (0.1) (c) BEFORE repealed by BC Reg 58/2013, effective February 22, 2013.
(c) Class C licences, issued in relation to transitional slaughter establishments;
Section 6 (1) and (2) BEFORE replaced by BC Reg 58/2013, effective February 22, 2013.
(1) A person must not operate a slaughter establishment that both slaughters animals and processes carcasses unless
(a) the person holds a Class A licence, or
(b) in the case of a transitional slaughter establishment, the person holds a Class C licence.
(2) A person must not operate a slaughter establishment that slaughters animals but does not process carcasses unless
(a) the person holds a Class B licence,
(b) in the case of a transitional slaughter establishment, the person holds a Class C licence, or
(c) in the case of a rural slaughter establishment, the person holds a Class D or E licence.
Section 6 (0.1) BEFORE repealed by BC Reg 205/2014, effective November 24, 2014.
(0.1) The following classes of licences are established:
(a) Class A licences, issued for the purposes of slaughter at a building that also contains food premises approved under the Food Premises Regulation;
(b) Class B licences, issued for the purposes of slaughter only;
(c) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 58/2013, Sch. s. 5 (c).]
(d) Class D licences, issued in relation to rural slaughter establishments that slaughter animals for retail purposes;
(e) Class E licences, issued in relation to rural slaughter establishments that slaughter animals for sales only to consumers directly.
Section 6 (1) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 205/2014, effective November 24, 2014.
(1) A person must not operate a slaughter establishment at a building that also contains food premises unless the person holds a Class A licence.
Section 9 (1) (b) and (k) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 58/2013, effective February 22, 2013.
(b) operates the slaughter establishment in a manner that ensures that the animals and carcasses are handled in a sanitary manner and without risk of contamination or spoilage of any carcass produced, stored or processed by the slaughter establishment,
(k) maintains and uses the equipment necessary so as to ensure that the slaughter of animals and the storage and processing of carcasses is done in a manner that is sanitary and poses no risk of contamination or spoilage of any carcasses produced, stored or processed by the slaughter establishment.
Section 9 (2) (a) BEFORE replaced by BC Reg 58/2013, effective February 22, 2013.
(a) ensures that at all times there is a segregation of activities so that contamination of the animals or carcasses is prevented, including the segregation of the following areas from all other areas of the slaughter establishment:
(i) the livestock area;
(ii) the slaughter area;
(iii) the processing area;
(iv) the storage area,
Section 9 BEFORE amended by BC Reg 213/2021, effective October 1, 2021.
Obligations respecting the operation of establishments
9 (1) A person must not operate a slaughter establishment unless the person
(a) ensures that the construction of the slaughter establishment is and remains sound,
(b) operates the slaughter establishment in a manner that ensures that the animals and carcasses are handled in a sanitary manner and without risk of contamination or spoilage of any carcass produced or stored by the slaughter establishment,
(c) ensures that materials from which the slaughter establishment is constructed
(i) are and remain suitable for their intended purpose, and
(ii) are durable, easily cleaned and free from any noxious or toxic substances,
(d) ensures that the slaughter establishment is separate from and without direct access to
(ii) any area in which activities are carried out that are incompatible with the sanitary handling of animals or carcasses,
(e) supplies water to the slaughter establishment from a source that is both potable and not capable of contaminating a carcass,
(f) ensures that the slaughter establishment is connected at all times to a waste disposal system,
(g) supplies an adequate quantity of hot and cold water under the pressure necessary to meet the water needs of the establishment,
(h) provides artificial lighting that is adequate in intensity so as to enable the sanitary operation and maintenance of the establishment,
(i) provides staff dressing rooms that allow staff to change their clothing in a private and clean environment,
(j) maintains and uses ventilation equipment so as to prevent any accumulation of smoke, grease, water vapour and objectionable odours, and
(k) maintains and uses the equipment necessary so as to ensure that the slaughter of animals and the storage and processing of carcasses is done in a manner that is sanitary and poses no risk of contamination or spoilage of any carcasses produced or stored by the slaughter establishment.
(2) A person must not operate a slaughter establishment unless the person
(a) ensures that at all times there is a segregation of activities so that contamination of the animals or carcasses is prevented, including the segregation of all of the following from each other:
(i) livestock areas of the slaughter establishment;
(ii) slaughter areas of the slaughter establishment;
(iii) storage areas of the slaughter establishment;
(iv) food premises in the same building as the slaughter establishment, if applicable,
(b) maintains and ensures that separate rooms, spaces and equipment are used solely for the segregation and disposal of held, inedible or condemned animals and carcasses, and
(c) maintains and uses a sufficient number of sanitizing stations to ensure the effective sanitizing of knives.
[am. B.C. Regs. 299/2007, Sch. B, s. 8; 58/2013, Sch. s. 6.]
Section 9.1 (2) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 58/2013, effective February 22, 2013.
(2) A person holding a Class D or E licence must take, as required by the minister, food safety training relevant to the operation of a rural slaughter establishment.
Section 9.1 (1) (part), (2) and (3) (part) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 213/2021, effective October 1, 2021.
(1) A person must not operate a rural slaughter establishment unless the person ensures that all of the following requirements are met:
(2) A person holding a Class D or E licence must take, as required by the minister, training relevant to the operation of a rural slaughter establishment.
(3) The holder of a Class D or E licence for a rural slaughter establishment must
Section 9.1 (1) (b), (c), (d), (g) (part) and (h) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 213/2021, effective October 1, 2021.
(b) that an animal in the rural slaughter establishment is kept before slaughter and slaughtered in a humane manner;
(c) that the rural slaughter establishment is operated in a manner that ensures that animals and carcasses are handled, slaughtered and stored in a sanitary manner and without risk of contamination or spoilage of any carcass produced or stored by the rural slaughter establishment;
(d) that each carcass stored by the rural slaughter establishment is stored at a temperature sufficient to prevent the risk of spoilage;
(g) that each employee, while working in the rural slaughter establishment,
(h) that an animal slaughtered in the rural slaughter establishment is in good health.
Section 9.1 (1) (g) (iii) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 76/2022, effective March 30, 2022.
(iii) washes his or her hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of carcasses;
Section 10 BEFORE re-enacted by BC Reg 213/2021, effective October 1, 2021.
Inspection standard
10 In conducting an inspection of an animal or carcass in a slaughter establishment and in determining if an animal or carcass in a slaughter establishment is to be passed, held or condemned, an inspector must apply the standards related to food safety and animal health established under the Food and Drugs Act (Canada) and the Meat Inspection Act (Canada).
Section 12 (1) (part), (2) (part) and (3) to (6) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 213/2021, effective October 1, 2021.
(1) A licence holder must ensure that before an animal intended for slaughter leaves the livestock area, it is inspected by an inspector and identified as
(2) Despite subsection (1), a licence holder may allow poultry or rabbits intended for slaughter to leave the livestock area after an inspector has inspected only a sample of the poultry or rabbits, as the case may be, and has identified the poultry or rabbits as
(3) Subject to subsection (5), a licence holder may allow an animal to enter the slaughter area only if the animal is identified as passed under subsection (1) or (2).
(4) A licence holder must move an animal that is identified as held or condemned under subsection (1) or (2) to the area specified by an inspector and keep the animal in that area until the inspector approves the animal entering the slaughter area or provides other instructions.
(5) If the inspector provides approval under subsection (4), the licence holder may allow an animal in the held area to enter the slaughter area.
(6) If an inspector identifies an animal as condemned under this section, the licence holder must slaughter the animal as directed by an inspector and remove the animal to the condemned area for disposal.
Section 14 BEFORE re-enacted by BC Reg 205/2014, effective November 24, 2014.
Emergency slaughter
14 Despite section 12, if it is necessary to slaughter an animal at a slaughter establishment for humane reasons but an inspector is not present at the slaughter establishment, the licence holder of the slaughter establishment may slaughter the animal without the inspector's approval if the licence holder
(a) identifies the animal as held,
(b) removes the carcass to the held area for inspection by an inspector, and
Section 14 (1) (part) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 213/2021, effective October 1, 2021.
(1) Despite sections 12 and 13.1, an animal may be slaughtered at a slaughter establishment when no inspector is present at the slaughter establishment, and the carcass may be held for inspection under section 15, if all of the following requirements are met:
Section 14 (1) (c) (part) and (d) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 213/2021, effective October 1, 2021.
(c) after the slaughter, the licence holder
(d) the licence holder must provide the emergency slaughter approval form to the inspector before the inspection under section 15 is conducted.
Section 14.1 (1) (part) and (2) (part) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 213/2021, effective October 1, 2021.
(1) Despite sections 12 and 13.1, an animal intended for slaughter after inspection under section 12 may be slaughtered and the carcass delivered to a slaughter establishment for inspection under section 15 if all of the following requirements are met:
(2) If a carcass has been accepted for delivery under this section, the licence holder must
Section 14.1 (1) (a) (i) and (ii) (part) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 213/2021, effective October 1, 2021.
(i) is in a physical condition that precludes it from being transported to a slaughter establishment without undue suffering, or
(ii) poses a high risk of significant injury to humans if it is transported to a slaughter establishment;
Section 14.1 (1) (c) and (d) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 213/2021, effective October 1, 2021.
(c) after the slaughter, the carcass and the emergency slaughter approval form are delivered to the slaughter establishment as soon as practicable;
(d) before accepting delivery of the carcass, the licence holder for the slaughter establishment, or an authorized employee of the licence holder, completes and signs the emergency slaughter approval form to indicate that acceptance.
Section 15 (1) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 205/2014, effective November 24, 2014.
(1) Unless section 14 applies, a licence holder must ensure that after the slaughter of an animal the carcass is not removed from the slaughter area until
(a) an inspector has inspected the carcass,
(b) an inspector has identified the carcass as
(c) an inspector or a person authorized by an inspector has placed an impression of the inspection legend stamp on each half or quarter carcass that is identified as passed under paragraph (b).
Section 15 (1) (part), (3) (part) and (4) (part) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 213/2021, effective October 1, 2021.
(1) The inspection of a carcass at a slaughter establishment is completed once
(3) If under subsection (1) an inspector identifies a carcass as held, the licence holder must
(4) If an inspector identifies a carcass under this section as inedible or condemned, the licence holder must
Section 16 (1) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 213/2021, effective October 1, 2021.
(1) A licence holder of a slaughter establishment must ensure that an impression of the inspection legend stamp is not a part of the establishment's name or logo.
Section 16 (2) (a) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 76/2022, effective March 30, 2022.
(a) have an inspection legend stamp in his or her custody or control, or
Section 17 (2) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 102/2010, effective April 23, 2010.
(2) A Class C licence holder must ensure that packages containing meat products produced at a transitional slaughter establishment operated by the licence holder include a label printed with the words
"Not Government Inspected – Not for Resale".
Section 17 (3) and (4) were added by BC Reg 102/2010, effective April 23, 2010.
Section 17 (2) to (4) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 80/2011, effective April 29, 2011.
(2) A Class C or E licence holder must ensure that packages containing meat products produced at a slaughter establishment operated by the licence holder include a label printed with the words
"Not Government Inspected – Not for Resale".
(3) A Class D licence holder must ensure that packages containing meat products produced at a rural slaughter establishment operated by the licence holder include a label printed with the words
"Class D – For sale and use only in the regional district of [name of regional district in which the rural slaughter establishment is located]".
(4) If a package containing meat products is labeled in accordance with subsection (2) or (3), a person
(a) must not remove the label before the package is sold, or
(b) if raw meat products are repackaged, must re-label the new packages in accordance with subsection (2) or (3), as applicable.
Section 17 (2) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 58/2013, effective February 22, 2013.
(2) A Class C, D or E licence holder must ensure that packages containing meat products produced at a slaughter establishment operated by the licence holder bear a label printed with the applicable words set out in Column 2 of the Table opposite the class of licence held by the licence holder:
| Column 1 Licence Class | Column 2 Label |
| C | Class C — Not Government Inspected; Not for Resale. |
| D or E | Class [D or E] — Not Government Inspected; For sale only in the regional district of [name of regional district in which the rural slaughter establishment is located]. |
| Class [D or E] — Not Government Inspected; For sale only in the Strathcona Regional District, excluding Vancouver Island. | |
| Class [D or E] — Not Government Inspected; For sale only in the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality | |
| Class [D or E] — Not Government Inspected; For sale only in the Stikine Region. |
Section 17 (2) table items below were added by BC Reg 132/2020, effective June 11, 2020.
added under Licence Class D:
Not Government Inspected; For sale only in Electoral Area D of the Central Kootenay Regional District.
Not Government Inspected; For sale only in Electoral Area H of the Fraser-Fort George Regional District.
added under Licence Class E:
Not Government Inspected; For sale only in Electoral Area D of the Central Kootenay Regional District. Not for resale.
Not Government Inspected; For sale only in Electoral Area H of the Fraser-Fort George Regional District. Not for resale.
Section 17 BEFORE repealed by BC Reg 213/2021, effective October 1, 2021.
Package labels
17 (1) A licence holder must ensure that packages containing meat products produced by the licence holder are labelled with the following information:
(a) the name and address of the slaughter establishment;
(b) a description of the contents of the package;
(c) the net weight or volume of the contents of the package;
(d) the identifying number issued by the minister to the slaughter establishment.
(2) A Class D or E licence holder must ensure that packages containing meat products produced at a slaughter establishment operated by the licence holder bear a label printed with the applicable words set out in Column 2 of the Table opposite the class of licence held by the licence holder:
| Column 1 Licence Class | Column 2 Label |
| D | Not Government Inspected; For sale only in the regional district of [name of regional district in which the rural slaughter establishment is located]. Not Government Inspected; For sale only in the Strathcona Regional District, excluding Vancouver Island. Not Government Inspected; For sale only in the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality. Not Government Inspected; For sale only in the Stikine Region. Not Government Inspected; For sale only in Electoral Area D of the Central Kootenay Regional District. Not Government Inspected; For sale only in Electoral Area H of the Fraser-Fort George Regional District. |
| E | Not Government Inspected; For sale only in the regional district of [name of regional district in which the rural slaughter establishment is located]. Not for resale. Not Government Inspected; For sale only in the Strathcona Regional District, excluding Vancouver Island. Not for resale. Not Government Inspected; For sale only in the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality. Not for resale. Not Government Inspected; For sale only in the Stikine Region. Not for resale. Not Government Inspected; For sale only in Electoral Area D of the Central Kootenay Regional District. Not for resale. Not Government Inspected; For sale only in Electoral Area H of the Fraser-Fort George Regional District. Not for resale. |
(3) If a package containing meat products is labelled in accordance with subsection (2), a person
(a) must not remove the label before the package is sold, or
(b) if raw meat products are repackaged, must re-label the new packages in accordance with subsection (2).
(4) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 80/2011, s. 3.]
[am. B.C. Regs. 299/2007, Sch. B, s. 10; 120/2008, s. 3; 102/2010, s. 8; 80/2011, s. 3; 58/2013, Sch. s. 8; 132/2020, s. 1.]
Section 19 BEFORE re-enacted by BC Reg 58/2013, effective February 22, 2013.
Storage temperature
19 The licence holder for a slaughter establishment must ensure that each carcass
(a) is stored at a room temperature of 4° C or less, or
(b) is kept in a processing area of the slaughter establishment
(i) at a room temperature of 10° C or less, or
(ii) for a period of 2 hours or less.
[en. B.C. Reg. 299/2007, Sch. B, s. 12.]
Section 22 (1), (2) and (3) (part) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 213/2021, effective October 1, 2021.
(1) A licence holder must ensure that the slaughter establishment and the equipment in the slaughter establishment are maintained in a sanitary condition.
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), a licence holder must ensure that the slaughter establishment and the equipment in the slaughter establishment are washed and sanitized in a manner that removes all contamination.
(3) Without limiting subsection (1), a licence holder must provide at the slaughter establishment
Section 26 (1) (part), (2) and (3) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 213/2021, effective October 1, 2021.
(1) A licence holder must ensure that each employee, while working in the slaughter establishment,
(2) A licence holder must supply and maintain in the slaughter establishment an adequate number of handwashing stations and ensure that the handwashing stations are located so that each employee has easy access to at least one handwashing station.
(3) A licence holder must ensure that the slaughter establishment contains an adequate number of clean and sanitary washrooms for the number of persons working at that establishment.
Section 27 (2) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 58/2013, effective February 22, 2013.
(2) After December 31, 2008, a licence holder must develop, maintain and follow written procedures that ensure that carcasses in the slaughter establishment are not contaminated or are not otherwise made unfit for human consumption.
Section 26 (1) (e) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 213/2021, effective October 1, 2021.
(e) washes his or her hands as often as necessary to prevent the contamination of carcasses.
Section 27 (1) definition of "critical control point" BEFORE amended by BC Reg 213/2021, effective October 1, 2021.
"critical control point" means a location in a slaughter establishment, or a step in the establishment's procedures, where failure to comply with the Act or this regulation might result in the contamination of carcasses or making carcasses otherwise unfit for human consumption;
Section 27 (2) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 213/2021, effective October 1, 2021.
(2) A licence holder must develop, maintain and follow written procedures that ensure that carcasses in the slaughter establishment are not contaminated or are not otherwise made unfit for human consumption.
Part 4, Division 6.1, sections 29.1 to 29.6 were enacted by BC Reg 213/2021, effective October 1, 2021.
Section 30 BEFORE amended by BC Reg 102/2010, effective April 23, 2010.
Purchase and sale of carcasses
30 (1) Subject to subsections (2) and (4), a person must not sell a carcass or store or process a carcass for the purpose of sale unless the carcass
(a) has been inspected under the Act or the Meat Inspection Act (Canada) and passed by an inspector under either of those Acts,
(b) was produced at a transitional slaughter establishment, or
(c) was produced on or before September 30, 2007 in an area of the Province located outside all the specified areas.
(2) A person must not sell a carcass that was produced as described in subsection (1) (b) or (c)
(a) to a person who resides in a specified area, or
(b) to food premises.
(3) A person who purchases meat from a transitional slaughter establishment must not resell the meat.
(4) If a carcass was produced as described in subsection (1) (c), a person must not sell the carcass on or after December 31, 2007.
[en. B.C. Reg. 299/2007, Sch. B, s. 19.]
Section 30 BEFORE amended by BC Reg 80/2011, effective April 29, 2011.
Purchase and sale of carcasses
30 (1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), a person must not sell a carcass or store or process a carcass for the purpose of sale unless the carcass
(a) has been inspected under the Act or the Meat Inspection Act (Canada) and passed by an inspector under either of those Acts,
(b) was produced at a transitional slaughter establishment, or
(c) was produced at a rural slaughter establishment.
(2) A person must not sell a carcass that was produced at a transitional slaughter establishment
(a) to a person who resides in a specified area, or
(b) to food premises.
(3) A person must not sell a carcass that was produced at a rural slaughter establishment
(a) to a person who resides outside the regional district in which the rural slaughter establishment is located, or
(b) in the case of a rural slaughter establishment operated under a Class E licence, to food premises.
(4) A person who purchases meat from either of the following must not resell the meat:
(a) a transitional slaughter establishment;
(b) a rural slaughter establishment operated under a Class E licence.
[en. B.C. Reg. 102/2010, s. 9.]
Section 30 (1) (part) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 58/2013, effective February 22, 2013.
(1) Subject to subsections (2) to (3.1), a person must not sell a carcass or store or process a carcass for the purpose of sale unless the carcass
Section 30 (1) (b) and (2) BEFORE repealed by BC Reg 58/2013, effective February 22, 2013.
(b) was produced at a transitional slaughter establishment, or
(2) A person must not sell a carcass that was produced at a transitional slaughter establishment
(a) to a person who resides in a specified area, or
(b) to food premises.
Section 30 (4) BEFORE replaced by BC Reg 58/2013, effective February 22, 2013.
(4) A person who purchases meat from either of the following must not resell the meat:
(a) a transitional slaughter establishment;
(b) a rural slaughter establishment operated under a Class E licence.
Section 30 BEFORE repealed by BC Reg 213/2021, effective October 1, 2021.
Purchase and sale of carcasses
30 (1) Subject to subsections (3) and (3.1), a person must not sell or store a carcass for the purpose of sale unless the carcass
(a) has been inspected under the Act or the Meat Inspection Act (Canada) and passed by an inspector under either of those Acts, or
(b) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 58/2013, Sch. s. 11 (b).]
(c) was produced at a rural slaughter establishment.
(2) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 58/2013, Sch. s. 11 (b).]
(3) A person must not sell a carcass that was produced at a rural slaughter establishment outside the area in which the rural slaughter establishment is located, as that area is described in Schedule 2.
(3.1) A person must not sell a carcass that was produced at a rural slaughter establishment operated under a Class E licence to food premises.
(4) A person who purchases meat from a rural slaughter establishment operated under a Class E licence must not resell the meat.
[en. B.C. Reg. 102/2010, s. 9; am. B.C. Regs. 80/2011, s. 4; 58/2013, Sch. s. 11.]
Section 34 BEFORE amended by BC Reg 213/2021, effective October 1, 2021.
Recalls
34 A licence holder must develop and maintain written procedures that, when followed, ensure that the licence holder is able to comply with an order under section 12 (4) (c) of the Act for the immediate recall of a carcass distributed from the slaughter establishment.
[am. B.C. Reg. 299/2007, Sch. B, s. 21.]
Section 35 BEFORE amended by BC Reg 213/2021, effective October 1, 2021.
Inspectors
35 A licence holder must ensure that
(a) an office and a clean and sanitary washroom are conveniently located in or close to the slaughter establishment for easy access by inspectors, and
(b) the office referred to in paragraph (a) contains a locked cabinet and other furniture and equipment that an inspector needs in order to carry out the powers, functions and duties of an inspector under the Act.
[am. B.C. Reg. 299/2007, Sch. B, s. 22.]
Section 36 BEFORE re-enacted by BC Reg 213/2021, effective October 1, 2021.
Offences
36 (1) A person who, in relation to a slaughter establishment other than a rural slaughter establishment, contravenes any of the following commits an offence:
(a) section 6 [slaughter establishment operator must hold licence];
(b) section 7 [licence must be posted in conspicuous location];
(c) section 8 (1) or (2) [requirements for construction or alteration];
(d) section 9 [obligations respecting the operation of establishments];
(e) section 11 [removal of animals from livestock area];
(f) section 12 [inspection of animals before slaughter];
(g) section 13 [humane slaughter];
(h) section 13.1 [holding in slaughter area for inspection];
(i) section 14 (1) (c) [holding requirements for emergency slaughter at slaughter establishment];
(j) section 14.1 (2) (b) [holding requirements in relation to emergency slaughter other than at slaughter establishment];
(k) section 15 (3) or (4) [requirements after inspection];
(l) section 16 [inspection legend stamps];
(2) A person who, in relation to a rural slaughter establishment, contravenes any of the following commits an offence:
(a) section 6 [slaughter establishment operator must hold licence];
(b) section 6.1 [compliance requirements for Class D and E licence holders];
(c) section 7 [licence must be posted in conspicuous location];
(d) section 9.1 [compliance requirements for operation of rural slaughter establishments];
(f) section 29 [record requirements];
(g) section 30 [purchase and sale of carcasses];
(h) section 33 [storage of chemicals].
[en. B.C. Reg. 205/2014, s. 13.]
Schedule 1 BEFORE repealed by BC Reg 205/2014, effective November 24, 2014.
[en. B.C. Reg. 299/2007, Sch. B, s. 23; am. B.C. Regs. 120/2008, s. 4; 209/2009; 102/2010, s. 10.]
Specified Areas
| The area comprising all the land of Vancouver Island. |
| The area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the City of Abbotsford. |
| The area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the City of Burnaby. |
| The area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the City of Chilliwack. |
| The area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the City of Langley. |
| The area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the City of Maple Ridge. |
| The area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the City of New Westminster. |
| The area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the City of North Vancouver. |
| The area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the City of Pitt Meadows. |
| The area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the City of Richmond. |
| The area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the City of Vancouver. |
| The area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the City of Vernon. |
| The area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the District of Kent. |
| The area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the District of Mission. |
| The area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the District of North Vancouver. |
| The area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the District of Squamish. |
| The area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the District of West Vancouver. |
| The area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the Resort Municipality of Whistler. |
| The area comprising all the land within the boundaries of School District No. 59 (Peace River South). |
| The area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the Sunshine Coast Regional District. |
| The area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the Township of Langley. |
| The area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the Village of Pemberton. |
| The area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the former Dewdney-Alouette Regional District incorporated by Letters Patent issued on October 27, 1967 and amalgamated into the Fraser Valley Regional District by Letters Patent issued on December 12, 1995. |
| The areas comprising all the land within the boundaries of Barnston Island, the Corporation of Delta, the City of Surrey, and the City of White Rock. |
| The areas comprising all the land within the boundaries of the City of Coquitlam, the City of Port Coquitlam and the City of Port Moody. |
Schedule 2, 1 (b), (d) and (h) BEFORE repealed by BC Reg 80/2011, effective April 29, 2011.
(b) the area comprising all the mainland within the boundaries of the Comox-Strathcona Regional District;
(d) the area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the Northern Rockies Regional District;
(h) the area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the Stikine Regional District;
Schedule 2, 1 (b.1), (h.1), (j) and (k) were added by BC Reg 80/2011, effective April 29, 2011.
Schedule 2, section 1 (a) BEFORE renumbered as (a.1) by BC Reg 132/2020, effective June 11, 2020.
(a) the area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the Central Coast Regional District;
Schedule 2, section 1 (a), (a.2) and (a.3) were added by BC Reg 132/2020, effective June 11, 2020.
Schedule 2, section 1 (e) and (f) BEFORE amended by BC Reg 132/2020, effective June 11, 2020.
(e) the area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the Powell River Regional District;
(f) the area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the Skeena-Queen Charlottes Regional District;
Schedule 2 BEFORE repealed by BC Reg 213/2021, effective October 1, 2021.
[en. B.C. Reg. 102/2010, s. 10; am. B.C. Regs. 80/2011, s. 5; 132/2020, s. 2.]
Class D and E Licensing Areas
1 For the purposes of section 5.01 (1) and (2) (a) of the regulation, a Class D or E licence may be issued in the following areas:
(a) the area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District;
(a.1) the area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the Central Coast Regional District;
(a.2) the area comprising all the land within the boundaries of Electoral Area D of the Central Kootenay Regional District;
(a.3) the area comprising all the land within the boundaries of Electoral Area H of the Fraser-Fort George Regional District;
(b) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 80/2011, s. 5 (a).]
(b.1) the area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the Kitimat-Stikine Regional District;
(c) the area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the Mount Waddington Regional District;
(d) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 80/2011, s. 5 (a).]
(e) the area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the qathet Regional District;
(f) the area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the North Coast Regional District;
(g) the area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District;
(h) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 80/2011, s. 5 (a).]
(h.1) the area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the Strathcona Regional District, other than the land located on Vancouver Island;
(i) the area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the Sunshine Coast Regional District;
(j) the area comprising all the land within the boundaries of the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality;