More Transparency On Food Safety Enforcement
CANADA - Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz has announced that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will now publish information about its compliance and enforcement activities being taken to protect the safety of the Canadian food, animal and plant supply.
17 March 2011
1 minute read
“Food safety is a top priority of the Government of Canada and we are listening to Canadians,” said Minister Ritz. “We know consumers want more information and we are delivering that transparency around what we are doing to protect Canadian families. This will give our inspectors another tool in the toolbox to shine the light of transparency on repeat offenders and companies that try and import unsafe food.”
The CFIA, in keeping with its commitment to transparency and accountability, will report on the outcomes of its enforcement activities.
"We have always encouraged full disclosure of food safety information to boost consumer safety and confidence. This initiative is a step in the right direction," said Bob Kingston, President of the Agriculture Union, Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), which represents federal food inspectors and lab technicians.
Starting yesterday, the Government of Canada has begun publishing information on its compliance and enforcement activities on its website. The information includes:
- food imports that have been refused entry into Canada;
- federally registered food establishments whose licenses have been suspended, cancelled or reinstated; and
- notices of violations with warning and penalties, including identifying repeat offenders of animal transport regulations.
The CFIA continues to work with consumers and industry on compliance and enforcement issues while practicing fairness, impartiality and consistency.
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