As communicated previously, the Canadian food safety regulations are evolving to better protect consumers. To support our suppliers in their compliance to the new Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR), the LCBO has published some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about product traceability and lot code requirements.

The Safe Food for Canadians Regulations require food businesses to track the movement of their food in the supply chain – forward to the immediate customer and backward to the immediate supplier. Food is described broadly as anything sold or represented as food and drink for consumption, which includes beverage alcohol products.  This regulation requires that all selling units must have a lot code, and products sold must have traceability documents one step forward and one step back in the supply chain.

To ensure your business operates without interruption and to avoid corrective action fees, the LCBO strongly urges suppliers to review the FAQ document, and consider the impact of the regulations on their products and processes. Suppliers are reminded that they are responsible for ensuring that all products supplied to LCBO comply with all applicable laws, including the Food and Drug Regulations and the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations.

Inquiries about the LCBO Safe Food for Canadians Regulations - Traceability and Lot Code requirements: Frequently Asked Questions document may be directed to the LCBO's Quality Assurance department. Email quality.assurance@lcbo.com or call (416) 864-6724.