The Reality of Building a Preventive Control Plan (PCP): Lessons from CFIA Inspections
Written By Navid Oji
When you run a food business in Canada—especially one that imports premium, high-value products like Iranian Caviar—you quickly learn that food safety isn’t just a requirement; it’s a responsibility.
At Blade and Razor Company, we work hard to bring our customers some of the best caviar in the world. Our sturgeon caviar is luxurious, delicate, and expensive. Every tin has a story behind it—one that stretches from our trusted supplier in Iran to our temperature-controlled storage in Canada, and finally, to the table of someone who appreciates the finest things in life.
Recently, we went through a full CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) inspection, and while it was challenging, it reminded us why we take every step so seriously.
Why a PCP Matters—Especially for Caviar
A Preventive Control Plan (PCP) is much more than a government requirement. It’s the framework that keeps food safe at every stage of the journey.
For Blade and Razor Company, that means:
Identifying and controlling biological hazards like bacteria that could spoil our caviar.
Maintaining a system of traceability that follows each tin from our supplier in Iran to our clients in Canada.
Being ready to act immediately if something ever goes wrong.
Caviar is one of the most delicate foods on earth. The smallest slip in temperature control or product integrity could ruin it. A strong PCP gives us the structure we need to protect our product—and our customers.
The Challenges We Faced
We’ll be honest: CFIA inspections aren’t easy. Inspectors are incredibly thorough, and that’s exactly how it should be. But here’s what made the process tough:
The level of detail required is immense.
Every single step must be documented: who supplied the product, how it was stored, who checked it, what the storage temperatures were… and so much more.Some requirements can feel unnecessary.
For example, even though our tins of Iranian caviar arrive fully sealed, we still have to document chemical hazard controls. It feels redundant at times, but it’s mandatory.The paperwork can be overwhelming.
Import logs, traceability logs, hazard analysis charts, sanitation records, temperature checks, mock recalls—it’s a lot to manage day to day.
The Benefits Outweigh the Challenges
As much work as it takes, having a proper PCP in place has made Blade and Razor Company stronger.
We’ve built better internal systems, so we can trace every tin of caviar with confidence.
Our clients know they’re buying from a company that takes safety and quality seriously. That trust is priceless when you’re delivering the best caviar in Canada.
CFIA inspectors now see that our systems are tight, which makes future inspections smoother.
Our Takeaways
Start early. Trying to build a PCP under pressure is stressful and inefficient.
Ask for help. CFIA inspectors are tough, but they’re also willing to guide you if you’re willing to listen.
Don’t skip the “small stuff.” Even if something feels irrelevant, include it—it all matters.
Why It Was Worth It
At Blade and Razor Company, we’re proud to import and deliver luxurious Iranian caviar through a fully compliant process that meets every CFIA standard. It wasn’t easy, but it means that every tin that reaches our customers is perfect, safe, and unforgettable.
When you’re serving something as rare and refined as caviar, there’s no room for shortcuts. And that’s a standard we’re proud to uphold.
Experience the Best Caviar in Canada
We invite you to explore our collection of Iranian sturgeon caviar—delivered with the same care and attention that earned us CFIA compliance.