Producers will not automatically be held accountable for a health or safety problem discovered in an animal that originated from their flock. Beginning with the flock of origin and the last location of the animal, CFIA will trace from both points to identify the source of the problem. As in the past, CFIA will rely on scientific information and tests to confirm infection and toxin sources.

By using individual identification, the number of flocks needing to be quarantined and tested will decrease by about ninety percent. This means less inconvenience for producers and a faster resolution to the problem.

The system only traces to the point of carcass inspection. Most contamination food safety problems are discovered after that point and are recognized to be beyond the control of primary producers.