OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 11, 2026 /CNW/ -- Today, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced that the Dominican Republic (DR) has approved imports of Canadian beef and beef products, including offal, from cattle of all ages. This decision restores access to an important Caribbean market for the first time since 2003, when the DR imposed restrictions following Canada's initial case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).

The DR reopened its market following an audit of Canada's beef inspection system conducted by the Dominican Republic's General Directorate of Medicines, Food and Health Products (DIGEMAPS) and the General Directorate of Livestock (DIGEGA). The audit confirmed the strength and reliability of Canada's food safety, inspection, and animal‑health controls, leading DR authorities to remove long‑standing restrictions on Canadian beef.

Canada holds a negligible risk status for BSE, reflecting the strength of its science-based animal health and food safety framework. This internationally recognized designation supports Canada's efforts to expand market access, strengthen global food security and provide consumers worldwide with high‑quality Canadian beef.

The Government of Canada continues to secure new international opportunities for Canadian agriculture and agri-food products. By expanding access to key export markets, the government is helping producers grow their businesses, create jobs, and contribute to economic prosperity across the country.

Quotes

"Canada's beef producers deliver safe, high‑quality products trusted around the world. The Dominican Republic is an important and growing market in the Americas, and re-opening access creates new opportunities for our farmers and processors to expand their reach, strengthen their operations, and support jobs across Canada. Our government will continue working with industry and international partners to open doors, drive growth, and showcase the best of Canadian agriculture globally."

— The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri‑Food

"Securing approval for Canadian beef processing establishments to export to the Dominican Republic is a pivotal step in diversifying Canada's red meat trade and expanding our presence in global markets. The Canadian Meat Council has been advocating for this access since 2023, and we were proud to host and fund the Dominican audit team during its visit to Canada to help make it possible. Without the audit — and ultimately the Dominican Republic's approval — Canadian establishments could not export to this market. The Dominican Republic is a significant meat import market, with more than $200 million in beef imports in 2025. With market access now granted, Canadian processors can compete to supply Dominican consumers with high-quality Canadian beef. This achievement is a testament to Canada's world-class food safety standards and to what strong collaboration between government and industry can accomplish. This is a meaningful breakthrough for Canada's meat sector, opening the door to new export opportunities, greater market diversification and growth across the entire supply chain." 

—   Kyle Larkin, President & CEO of the Canadian Meat Council

Quick Facts

• In 2025, the DR imported approximately $215 million in beef and beef products from countries around the world. The reopening of this market provides Canadian exporters with an opportunity to compete in this significant import market.
• Three Canadian beef processing facilities have been approved to export to the DR.
• Routine audits between Canada and its trading partners strengthen mutual confidence in food safety controls and support stable, predictable trade.
• Expanded access to the DR provides Canadian producers with new commercial opportunities while offering Dominican consumers high‑quality Canadian beef.

Associated Links 

• Dominican Republic – Export requirements for meat and poultry products - inspection.canada.ca
• Beef processing and inspection - inspection.canada.ca
• Overview of Canada's BSE safeguards - inspection.canada.ca

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Each day, hard-working Canadian Food Inspection Agency employees—including inspectors, veterinarians, and scientists—inspect food for safety risks, work to protect plants from pests and invasive species, and respond to animal diseases that could threaten Canada's animal resource base and human health. Guided by science-based decision-making and modern regulations, the Agency verifies that food sold in Canada is safe while supporting access to international markets for our high-quality agricultural products. To learn more, visit inspection.canada.ca.

SOURCE Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)