Glossary

An on-farm validation Audit must be undertaken to become fully certified on VBP+ and is completed by a qualified third party auditor contracted by the VBP+ Provincial Delivery Agent. This audit is a systematic, independent and documented process for obtaining audit evidence at the beef cattle operation, and evaluating it objectively to determine the extent to which VBP+ program criteria are fulfilled.

Cycle of either an on-farm validation audit, Record-Assessment or Self-Declaration with summary checklist. The annual assessment is designed to obtain evidence the cattle operation is meeting VBP+ program requirements.

Critical Control Point (CPP) for food safety procedures, which is any point or procedure where control can be applied and a food safety hazard can be prevented, eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level. It is a term described in HACCP and accepted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission of the World Health Organization. In the VBP+ program these are found in SOP 3 – Cattle Shipping.

A list of animal health products approved for use in Canada, which are acceptable for use as per label direction or veterinary prescription. A list can be found here.

Lists of medicating feed ingredients approved for the addition to livestock feed in Canada. The list can be found here.

The fulfillment of specific requirements within the VBP+ program. VBP+ refers to 'conformance' rather than 'compliance' to align more closely with ISO (international standards) terminology.

Requests for improvement of SOPs or record keeping that will assist in removing an existing non-conformity or to prevent recurrence of a deviation or cause of a non-conformity. It is noted on the audit report and discussed during the closing meeting on-farm. Both the producer and auditor acknowledge the CAR by their signatures and agree to a date the action will be completed.

Any use of a product that is not indicated on the label, including: i) use in species or for indications (disease/other conditions) not listed on the label; ii) use at dosage levels different from those stated on the label; iii) use of a different route, frequency, duration or timing of treatment; iv) failure to observe the stated withdrawal period. This is also referred to as “off-label”.

After mixing medicated feed, this involves taking a known non-medicated ingredient and moving a quantity through the equipment to “flush” out any medicated feed that remains. Usually a feedgrain, at about 5-10% of the mixer capacity, is passed through the mixer or auger to help remove any medicated feed remaining in the equipment. The flushed material or “flush” is often included in the next ration, which would contain the same medication for the same species. Or it can be disposed in a manner where it cannot contaminate cattle feed or in an area inaccessible to cattle.

Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point, a systematic approach to food safety accepted internationally. A generic hazard analysis was completed by a technical committee and translated into producer language in the VBP food safety Producer Manual. The VBP+ program is HACCP-based to ensure credibility and reviewed through the Canadian Food Safety Recognition Program led by CFIA.

Minimum requirements for the Verified Beef Production Plus program, which are outlined as grey-shaded in the Producer Manuals.

A pre-registration document to help a producer prepare for the audit.

A list of expected outcomes and 'Must-Do' requirements for conformance with the VBP+ program, outlined in each of the four modules of food safety, biosecurity, animal care, and land management/conservation. In addition, some requirements are added to meet indicators outlined by the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef.

Anything that is, or that contains any, protein that originated from a mammal, other than a porcine or an equine (hog or horse). It does not include milk, blood, gelatin, rendered animal fat or their products. Feed containing these materials, such as ruminant meat and bone meal, will have indications on the feed tag or invoice that states: “Do not feed to cattle, sheep, deer or other ruminant animals.”

A written order for a medication stating amount of drug or mixture of drugs for specific cattle or set of conditions, from a licensed veterinarian with whom you have a proper veterinarian/client/patient relationship. The VBP+ program requires that the veterinary prescription includes at least the following: veterinarian/clinic, date, client, indication for use, product name, dosage, frequency, route and duration of treatment, withdrawal for meat, and any special warnings (special storage, human safety warnings). Keep a copy of any written veterinary prescriptions used within the last two years.

An organization contracted by the Canadian Cattlemen's Association to deliver the VBP+ program in each province.

An individual hired/contracted by the Provincial Delivery Agent to deliver the VBP+ program in each province. Coordinators manage training and audit coordination with beef cattle operations in their region.

Annual off-farm review of records to determine if a cattle operation is conforming to the VBP+ program requirements. This occurs on year 2 and year 5 of the annual assessment cycle. Producers send a sample of records for assessment to demonstrate continued conformance. Provincial coordinators will inform VBP+ registered producers when they are due to submit a Records Assessment.

A process whereby a third party body issues a written statement that a production unit or beef cattle operation meets the requirements of the VBP+ program.

A written statement or acknowledgement of conformance issued by a Provincial Delivery Agent indicating a beef cattle operation or production unit meets the requirements of the VBP+ program.

A pre-registration document to be completed prior to the first On-Farm audit to help a producer prepare for the audit.

A Self-declaration differs from the Self-Assessment. The Self-Declaration is a record of understanding signed by the producer including a checklist review of program compliance. It signifies the producer has fully implemented SOPs to the best of his/her knowledge, but does not by itself signify VBP+ certification. Throughout the 8-year assessment cycle, VBP+ certified operations must complete a Self-Declaration on years 3, 4 6, 7 and 8 to renew VBP+ status for that year. The VBP+ provincial coordinator will provide you with the Self-Declaration forms each year you are required to fill this out for your VBP+ status maintenance.

A planned series of feed delivery to pens to prevent the feeding of medicated feed to unintended cattle. This is predetermined schedule of mixing and feeding that may start with the higher levels of medications first and ending with low levels, flushing, then followed by non-medicated feed. The sequence is followed the next feeding time (or day), in the opposite manner with non-medicated feed first. In the following feed period the reverse sequence is repeated. It is imperative that feed records are detailed enough to denote the last batch/ration and where in the sequence the medicated feed was processed and fed. Attention to this detail determines the likelihood of drug carryover and tissue residue.

Standard Operating Procedures, which are a set of 'Must Do' requirements and recommended procedures to help reduce the chance of program a food safety, animal care, biosecurity and environmental stewardship risk on the beef cattle operation.

A list of expected outcomes and 'Must Do' requirements for conformance with the VBP+ program, outlined in each of the 4 modules of food safety, biosecurity, animal care, and land management/conservation. In addition some requirements added to meet indicators outlined by the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef.

A relationship between a veterinarian and livestock producer in which the veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for ensuring proper medical judgements regarding the health of the animals and the need for medical treatments. The producer has agreed to follow the instructions and/or protocols provided by the veterinarian. There is sufficient knowledge of the animal(s) by the vet to initiate a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition by virtue of an examination of the animal(s), and/or by medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises. The practicing vet is readily available for follow-up in case of adverse reactions or failure of the regimen of therapy.

The minimum time from the last treatment of an animal health product, to the earliest time when meat from beef cattle should be consumed. Essentially it is the time required before cattle are “safe to ship” and is usually measured in days.