A slaughterhouse and butcher shop in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia, along with its owner, are facing multiple charges for significant violations of federal regulations aimed at safeguarding animal health and food safety, as stated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Curtmar Meats and its proprietor, Curtis Moxsom, have been charged with five offenses under the Health of Animals Act and Regulations.
During a recent court session at Shubenacadie provincial court, the arraignment was postponed to a later date. The accusations include failure to adhere to protocols for handling specified risk material, which involves the proper removal and disposal of certain tissues in cattle to prevent the transmission of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, commonly known as mad cow disease. Additionally, the defendants are alleged to have provided false or misleading information during an inspection.
In response to the charges, the defense attorney representing the accused parties refuted the allegations, expressing confidence in their compliance with all relevant regulations. The lawyer, Robert H. Pineo, emphasized their intent to vigorously contest the charges in court, highlighting that the company remains in adherence to provincial regulations and that all meat products sold have undergone government inspection.
The CFIA’s records show that enforcement actions for breaches of its regulations have been infrequent in recent years, with charges laid against individuals or businesses occurring sparingly. According to the agency, charges under the Health of Animals Act and its Regulations are uncommon but are pursued in cases of severe non-compliance identified during investigations.
Despite the legal proceedings, the business continues to operate as it falls under provincial oversight, with no directives issued by the province to cease operations. Curtmar Meats, formerly Moxsom Meats, underwent significant structural and regulatory updates before reopening in 2020, following past licensing issues that led to violations of the Meat Inspection Act under previous ownership.
For more news and updates from Northern Nova Scotia, visit the CBC News website.
