A Costly Mistake: Why One Importer Lost Two Full Containers — And How You Can Avoid the Same Fate

 Earlier this year, a Canadian importer brought in two full containers of a manufactured food product from a well-known overseas supplier. The supplier was reputable, certified, and had all the right food safety accreditations — everything looked perfect on paper.



But during a routine CFIA inspection, a problem was uncovered.

The product contained a food additive that’s permitted in the supplier’s country — but not in Canada.

The result? Every single unit in those two containers had to be exported or destroyed. That’s tens of thousands of dollars lost in product, not to mention the additional costs for shipping, storage, and disposal.

It Wasn’t a Supplier Issue — It Was a Regulatory Gap
The supplier didn’t do anything wrong by their own country’s standards. But Canadian regulations are unique. Ingredients, additives, and formulations that are perfectly legal elsewhere may be completely prohibited here.

This isn’t just a paperwork issue — it’s an enforcement matter. And unfortunately, it’s importers who bear the cost of getting it wrong.

How You Can Avoid the Same Outcome
At CFCA, we’ve seen this story play out far too often — and the saddest part is that it’s completely preventable.

Our clients don’t have to guess if their products meet Canadian regulatory requirements. Before anything is imported, we check every detail — from ingredients and additives to labeling and documentation. We’re your first line of defense, your second set of eyes, and your dedicated regulatory team.

Our annual service fee costs less than a part-time employee — and yet the protection it provides could save your company from a six-figure mistake.

You Don’t Need to Take the Risk Alone
CFCA works with importers and food businesses across Canada to stay ahead of CFIA regulations. We don’t just help during a crisis — we help prevent them.

Don’t wait for a knock on the door from CFIA to realize something was missed.

Partner with CFCA. Protect your business. Save yourself the loss.

Need help? Contact us today for a free consultation. Let’s get you compliant before your next shipment lands.

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