CFIA Temporary Import Conditions
Importing U.S. romaine lettuce: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has released the fall 2025 import requirements for romaine lettuce from the U.S. in advance. The temporary conditions announced will be implemented from September 25 to December 17, 2025. Complete details on the Safe Food for Canadians licence conditions and other existing import requirements are outlined here:
"This message is to provide advance notice to importers of fresh fruits and vegetables that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will be implementing temporary import conditions for U.S. romaine lettuce again this fall 2025. This temporary measure is intended to mitigate the higher risk of E. coli O157 contamination of romaine lettuce grown in the Salinas Valley, California, during the fall months. This same measure has been implemented in fall 2020 to 2024.
From September 25 to December 17, 2025, importers of romaine lettuce and/or salad mixes containing romaine lettuce will be required to comply with temporary Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) licence conditions that are in addition to existing import requirements and preventive control plan requirements. During this period, the CFIA will require importers to submit attestation forms and Certificates of Analysis to confirm that the romaine lettuce does not contain detectable levels of E. coli O157:H7 if the lettuce was grown in the Salinas Valley. A Proof of Origin will be required for U.S. romaine lettuce products that are from areas outside of the Salinas Valley. The complete information will be published on the CFIA website and communicated to fresh fruit and vegetable importers through MyCFIA messaging in the coming weeks, well in advance of the implementation date."
