Toronto-Area Corporation Convicted of Operating a Meat Plant Without a Licence

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Convicted: 1000498884 Ontario Inc., operating as Taotie Dry Aging

Location of Offence: 6-3680 Victoria Park Avenue, Toronto

Description of Offence: Operating a meat plant without a licence, contrary to section 4(1) of the Food Safety and Quality Act.

Date of Offence: January 22, 2026

Date of Conviction: October 13, 2026

Penalty Imposed: $4,500 fine plus a $1,125 victim fine surcharge for a total of $5,625.

Background: On January 22, 2026, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) learned that 1000498884 Ontario Inc., operating as Taotie Dry Aging, was producing and selling a ready-to-eat dehydrated meat product marketed as "dry-aged meat chips."

An OMAFA Compliance and Advisory Officer inspected the premises and confirmed the presence of 13.37 kilograms of dehydrated meat products packaged in 308 units. On the day of inspection, the company voluntarily removed the product listing from its website and disposed of the product.

Under provincial regulations, dehydrating meat products for sale or distribution is a regulated activity requiring a meat plant licence, unless an exemption applies.

The matter was referred to OMAFA's Compliance Enforcement and Intelligence Unit for investigation and charges were laid.

On October 13, 2026, 1000498884 Ontario Inc., operating as Taotie Dry Aging, pleaded guilty to operating a meat plant without a licence under the Food Safety and Quality Act. Justice of the Peace Esther Natalie Daniel convicted the corporation and imposed a $4,500 fine. In addition, a victim fine surcharge in the amount of $1,125 was imposed under the Provincial Offences Act.