Bulk Sampling Changes for Grade Verification of FFV to the U.S.
June 5, 2025 | 2 min to read
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is updating requirements for collecting representative samples of fresh fruit and vegetables exported to the U.S. Exporters must provide CFIA inspectors access to all parts of bulk containers and submit a written proposed sampling procedure alongside their export certificate request. This new protocol must be in place for bulk onions before the fall harvest, with plans for bulk potatoes to follow later. For details, refer to U.S. export requirements.
For all Canadian establishments exporting fresh fruit and vegetables (FFV) to the United States (U.S.) in bulk containers that require grade verification for the purpose of export certification, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is implementing a change in requirements for collection of representative samples by the CFIA.
To meet U.S. requirements, CFIA inspectors must be able to access all parts of an identified bulk container (access to top, middle and bottom) to collect representative samples. The exporter must assist the CFIA inspector with sample collection by making product accessible.
Exporters must provide a proposed representative sampling procedure in writing to CFIA inspectors, along with the Food export certificate request form when requesting grade verification for the purpose of export certification. The inspector will review the exporter’s proposed sampling procedure and indicate to the exporter if the export request may proceed.
Exporters should start developing an acceptable written procedure to accommodate representative sampling of bulk onions – representative sampling procedures must be fully implemented for bulk onions before the upcoming fall harvest and shipping season. The implementation of these sampling procedures for bulk potatoes will follow at a later date.
For additional information, please refer to: United States of America – Export requirements for fresh fruits and vegetables.