Food Safety Systems Implementation (Processor) Program

Implementation Funding

If you would like to obtain an application form and guide, please contact the FSSI (Processor) Program Manager (contact information below).

“The HACCP program has helped us to establish our company as a reliable supplier of premium tofu. Through HACCP, our production processes are more efficient, our products enjoy consistent quality, and above average shelf-life.”
Rita Cheng, President, Superior Tofu Ltd.

Once you have a HACCP plan in place, there is also a cost-sharing financial assistance program to help implement your plan. The Food Safety Systems Implementation (Processor) Program provides financial assistance to companies that are already moving forward towards their HACCP program. This funding can be used to assist with the purchase and installation of equipment to improve food safety and to train staff in the adoption of food safety. Most expenses spent on food safety are reimbursed 90% by the FSSI (Processor) Program.

FSSI Project Activities (refer to page 3 of the Guidebook for an overview of the project activities)

Implementing a Food Safety Program System (maximum funding of $15,000)
The option is for applicants who want to develop, write and implement a food safety program, including developing GMPs (often called HACCP Prerequisite Programs) and/or a HACCP Plan. All eligible Expenditures or Activities must be directly related to a NEW food safety program or practice.

Certification of a Recognized Food Safety System (Maximum funding of $5,000 – requires successfully passing a full certification audit)
This option is for applicants who are going to become certified, audited, or verified under a Recognized Food Safety Program (see Schedule I). This option is NOT for companies working on HACCP with no intention of becoming Certified.

All cost share funds are available on a first come, first served basis up to the available annual funds for each year of the program. Applicants must meet the program eligibility criteria and adhere to all program terms and conditions and project claim submission deadlines to qualify for cost share.

Processor Definition and Participant Eligibility Criteria

The definition of 'Food Processor': A business that creates value-added food product(s) by cutting, blending, flavouring, thermal processing, infusing, carbonating, drying, juicing, or otherwise transforming primary agricultural and food input(s) into food or drink for human consumption. (For the FSSI (Processor) Program this definition is limited to non-federally registered facilities.)

FSSI (Processor) Implementation Element: The FSSI (Processor) Implementation Element provides funding for assistance to processors putting in place GMPs and/or seeking HACCP/ FSSC 22000 certification for recognized Food Safety Programs. Only the manufacturing portion of a company’s operations/facility will be eligible.Unless otherwise approved by the Food Safety Program Manager, all applicants must have attended an Outreach Workshop and have an on-site needs assessment completed.

Eligible Applicants:

An ‘eligible’ applicant to the FSSI (processor) on-site Outreach & Implementation funding must:

Post Farm

meet the definition of food processor (above) and may be a primary packaging operation.
must have a wholesale component to their business (selling to businesses other than themselves)

On Farm

Packinghouse operations that go beyond basic washing, grading and packaging under on–farm food safety program or GAP’s and are instead doing further processing (i.e. modifying or transforming) under manufacturing GMPs
Farm-gate processor that meets the definition of food processor (above) and are not covered by an on-farm food safety program.

Ineligible Applicants include:

federally registered food processing facilities
aquaculture and seafood producers or processors
pet food processing/ manufacturing facilities
health and/or nutrition supplement processors
food service operations (e.g., cafeterias, dining halls, private food service providers, etc.)
service industries, industry associations, equipment suppliers, and/or public institutions
collectors, brokers, salvagers, renderers or composters of deadstock (as defined in Regulation 105/09 of the Food Safety and Quality Act, 2001 as amended)
packaging manufacturers

I want to learn more about this program and opportunities for financial assistance

This program is managed by the Small Scale Food Processor Association. For more information on the implementation funding program, please contact:

Phil Watney
FSSI (Processor) Program Manager
Toll Free: 1-866-473-7372
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Last Reviewed August 2010

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