The Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has recently provided advanced notice that they will be implementing temporary import conditions again this fall 2024 for romaine lettuce imported from the U.S.
From September 26 to December 18, 2024, the CFIA will require importers to submit attestation forms and Certificates of Analysis to confirm that the romaine lettuce does not contain detectable levels of E. coli O157:H7 if the lettuce was grown in the Salinas Valley. A Proof of Origin will be required for U.S. romaine lettuce products that are from areas outside of the Salinas Valley.
The temporary measure is intended to mitigate the higher risk of E. coli O157 contamination of romaine lettuce grown in the Salinas Valley, California, during the fall months. This same measure was implemented in fall 2020 to 2023.
Please refer to Import requirements for leafy green vegetables from California and Arizona for details.