CFIA Latest Updates: Temporary Romaine Lettuce Import Requirements and Animal Feed Consultations

Published July 28, 2026

Key Points

• Temporary import requirements for U.S. romaine lettuce will be in effect September 24–December 17, 2026.
• Importers of romaine lettuce from the four Salinas Valley counties can now use LGMA Romaine Test & Learn (T&L) Program participation as an alternative to a Certificate of Analysis (CoA).
• Importers of romaine lettuce from outside the four counties must continue to obtain and retain a Proof of Origin.
• The Importer Attestation Form has been removed, and supporting documents no longer need to be uploaded with import declarations.
• CFIA is accepting comments on three proposed livestock feed ingredient changes until August 24, 2026.
• The consultations cover Quillaja saponaria wood powder, Yucca-based ingredients, and L-lysine solution from a fermentation process.

T​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has renewed its temporary import requirements for U.S. romaine lettuce for the 2026 harvest season, effective September 24 through December 17, 2026. The updated requirements introduce a new compliance option for eligible importers while maintaining measures to reduce the risk of E. coli O157:H7 contamination. Meanwhile, the agency is seeking stakeholder feedback on the proposed approval of Quillaja saponaria wood powder and L-lysine solution from a fermentation process, as well as amendments to the descriptions of three Yucca-based feed ingredients, before CFIA finalizes its decisions.

Temporary Import Requirements for U.S. Romaine Lettuce

The temporary import requirements apply to all U.S. romaine lettuce and fresh salad mixes containing romaine lettuce imported into Canada from September 24 through December 17, 2026.

Requirements for importers

• Romaine lettuce harvested outside the four Salinas Valley counties (Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz):
  • Obtain and retain a Proof of Origin showing where the romaine lettuce was harvested.
• Romaine lettuce harvested in the four Salinas Valley counties, or shipments without Proof of Origin:
  • Importers must either:
    • Provide evidence that the supplier participates in the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (LGMA) Romaine Test & Learn (T&L) Program, or
    • Obtain a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for each shipment confirming that E. coli O157:H7 was not detected.

Importers must retain the required documentation and provide it to the CFIA upon request. Supporting documents no longer need to be uploaded with import declarations.

Animal Feed Consultations

CFIA is accepting comments on three proposed changes to the Canadian Feed Ingredients Table (CFIT) until August 24, 2026.

Quillaja saponaria Wood Powder

CFIA proposes approving Quillaja saponaria wood powder as a new single ingredient feed (SIF) for use as an odour control agent in poultry and swine feed. CFIA’s evaluation supports its safety and efficacy for reducing ammonia emissions in livestock barns.

How to participate

• Comment on the proposed SIF description.
• Share concerns about the description’s accuracy or scientific data for CFIA to consider.
• Email comments to cfia.afp-paa.acia@inspection.gc.ca with “Quillaja saponaria wood powder” in the subject line by August 24, 2026.

Yucca-Based Feed Ingredients

CFIA proposes amending the CFIT descriptions for Yucca-based ingredients: Yucca mohavensis extract (Yucca schidigera extract), Yucca schidigera powder, and Yucca mohavensis sap. The changes would update manufacturing descriptions, standardize carrier and labeling requirements, and allow approved carrier formulations to be registered directly as odour control agents.

How to participate

• Comment on the proposed amended descriptions.
• Share concerns about the descriptions’ accuracy or scientific data for CFIA to consider.
• Email comments to cfia.afp-paa.acia@inspection.gc.ca with “Yucca-based ingredients” in the subject line by August 24, 2026.

L-Lysine Solution from Fermentation Process

CFIA proposes approving L-lysine solution from a fermentation process as a new SIF in the CFIT. The ingredient would serve as a source of L-lysine in livestock feeds and distinguish fermentation-derived L-lysine from existing chemically synthesized products.

How to participate

• Comment on the proposed SIF description.
• Share concerns about the description’s accuracy or scientific data for CFIA to consider.
• Email comments to cfia.afp-paa.acia@inspection.gc.ca with “L-lysine solution from fermentation process” in the subject line by August 24, 2026.

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