CFIA suspends Alberta breast milk company’s licence over regulatory violations

CANADA – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has suspended the Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) licence of Booby Food, an Alberta-based company specializing in freeze-drying breast milk, due to its failure to meet several regulatory standards. 

The agency confirmed the suspension earlier this month, halting all licence-related activities for the company.

According to a report by the CFIA, Booby Food did not comply with key requirements under the Safe Food for Canadians Act and its associated regulations. 

The agency highlighted that the company failed to adhere to rules governing import, export, and interprovincial trade, as outlined in Sections 10 and 13 of the Act. 

Additionally, the company breached Part Two of the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations, which mandates proper licensing for such activities, and Part Four, which focuses on sanitation and preventive controls to ensure food safety.

Reported by the CFIA, further violations were found under the Food and Drugs Act. Sections Four and Seven prohibit the sale of unfit products and manufacturing in unsanitary conditions, while Sections Three and Five address misleading advertising and product claims. 

Despite these issues, the agency clarified that no product recalls have been issued in connection with the suspension.

In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, the CFIA emphasized the immediate impact of the decision. 

“The licence holder cannot conduct any licence-related activities while the suspension is in effect,” the agency stated. 

This means Booby Food, which markets its service as a way to preserve breast milk in a shelf-stable powder form, is currently unable to operate under its SFC licence.

The CFIA has given Booby Food a chance to address the violations.

 A report by the agency noted that the suspension could be lifted if the company implements corrective measures deemed satisfactory by inspectors. 

However, if no action is taken within 90 days, the licence faces permanent cancellation. “We are monitoring the situation closely to ensure compliance,” an agency spokesperson said.

Booby Food, based in Calgary, has built a reputation for offering a unique service to parents, freeze-drying breast milk for long-term storage and convenience. 

The company’s website claims the process retains vital nutrients, making it a popular choice among families. 

However, the recent suspension raises questions about its adherence to federal food safety standards. As of now, Booby Food has not publicly responded to the CFIA’s actions.