Table of contents

Overview

Abattoir Licence Application

An abattoir licence enables an individual to operate an abattoir, which is a premise where animals are slaughtered and meat is prepared, packaged or stored. This includes multi-location or mobile abattoirs.

Under the abattoir licence, the Government of Alberta provides inspection services that allow for the slaughtered animals and their processed meat products to be sold for human consumption.

All licensed abattoirs must meet the requirements of the Meat Inspection Act and the Meat Inspection Regulation to ensure animals are fit for slaughter. The requirements for animal welfare and food safety must also be met.

Licensee responsibilities

Licence holders are responsible for the following:

  • Reviewing and following applicable legislation and other licensing requirements.
  • Adequately labelling product
  • Providing potable water
  • Ensuring compliance with bylaws in their county or municipality

Applicants that request an abattoir licence for the same plot of land as an on-farm slaughter operation are required to show that the On-Farm Slaughter Operation Licence premise and activities are separated from the abattoir premise and abattoir activities.

Related legislative requirements

Meat Inspection Act

Meat Inspection Regulation

Animal Protection Act

Meat Facility Standards

Disposal of Dead Animals Regulation

Premises Identification Program

Guidance on Specified Risk Material

Humane Transport and Animal Welfare

Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA)

Canadian Sheep Identification Program (CSIP)

Livestock Identification  and Commerce Act

National Building Code -2019

Occupational Health and Safety Act

Eligibility

You can apply for an Abattoir Licence if you:

  • Can lawfully operate a business in Alberta
  • Are at least 18 years of age

Cost

5-year licence fee: $100

Licences are valid 5 years from the date of issue.

How to apply

  1. Review legislative requirements and licensee responsibilities
  2. Contact the Meat and Dairy Inspection Section (MDIS) at [email protected] for information on the abattoir licensing approval process.

Renewal

  1. Two months before the abattoir licence expires, MDIS will the send to the licensee a notice letter and the Abattoir Licence Renewal application form.
  2. Once the application is received, check the “Renew” box and fill in the required information.
  3. Submit the application form and payment to MDIS, as indicated on the application form.

Updates

  1. Two weeks prior to:
    • updating or renovating an abattoir, or
    • changing or modifying processing steps or processing information
    contact MDIS at [email protected] to request an Abattoir Licence Update application form
  2. Once the application form is received, check the “Update” box and fill in the required information.
  3. Submit the application form to MDIS, as indicated on the application renewal form.

Contact

Connect with the Meat and Dairy Inspection Team:
Email: [email protected]