OTTAWA, Ontario – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) suspended the operating license of St. Ann's Foods Inc., a beef-slaughter plant in St. Ann's, Ont.

The suspension was effective Feb. 7, the agency reported. The company is prohibited from operating until corrective actions are implemented and the CFIA is satisfied that the plant can effectively manage food-safety risks. There were no recalls associated with the agency's action.

"The company has failed to correct deficiencies in hygienic practices that were previously identified through CFIA inspections," CFIA said. "Although St. Ann's Foods Inc. presented an acceptable action plan to the CFIA that would have corrected these deficiencies, they have been unable to demonstrate consistent or full implementation of the corrective measures within the required timeframe and this has resulted in the license suspension.

"The license suspension is in line with CFIA's first priority – the health and safety of Canadian consumers," CFIA added.