Food Safety A Priority

When Parliament resumes next mo n t h , t h e Harper government should make introduction of long-promised food safety improvements a priority, says a food industry coalition. The Canadian Supply Chain Food Safety Coalition, which represents farm, food industry and consumer groups, wants the government to start consulting now. Many factors need to

Ottawa Slow On Listeria Response Proposals

“It’s not a question of hiring people off the street. We need competent, qualified people in food safety. And we have to provide them with training on our procedures.” Aconsumers’ group and the union that represents federal meat inspectors says Ottawa is starving the Canadian Food Inspection Agency of funds rather than getting on with


Food Safety Culture Grows Among Processors

Food safety has become a critical issue for consumers, governments and industry leaders, according to a recent report on food safety management released by Deloitte. Eighty-three per cent of consumers can name a product that was recalled due to safety concerns in the last two years; 76 per cent of consumers report they are more

On-Farm Food Safety Is Crucial, MPs Say

They quarrelled on many issues, but the MPs on the Commons food safety subcommittee agreed an effective food safety system has to begin on the farm. The committee reported to Parliament in mid-June with the Conservative MPs offering 22 recommendations and the opposition parties 14 proposals. The only idea that was immediately rejected by Agriculture


Consultations Held On Bill 7

Bill 7 received second reading June 2 and underwent public consultations last week in a last-minute push before summer recess begins at the Legislature. The Food Safety and Related Amendments Act, which brings several pieces of food safety legislation under one new act, has been scrutinized by farm groups since its introduction last December. Groups

Groups Remain Concerned With Bill 7

Farm and rural groups are lining up to voice their concerns over proposed new food safety legislation in Manitoba, but they might have to wait until next fall to do it. Bill 7 had not yet received second reading, been reviewed by cabinet or been scheduled for public consultations as of early this week. The


Grocer Calls For Heightened Food Inspections

The U. S. Agriculture Department should expand its risk-based inspection system to focus on products neglected by the Food and Drug Administration to help stop a rash of massive food recalls, an official from a U. S. grocery chain said on April 2. The U. S. food supply system is under fire after a series

Farmers’ Market Season Could Be Extended

“There’ll be some sort of modification to the 14-day limit.” – MIKE LEBLANC, MANAGER OF THE HEALTH PROTECTION UNIT WI TH MANITOBA HEALTH Farmers’ markets could be in business more than 14 days per year once Manitoba Health completes an overhaul of the rules governing their operation. The rules will also give vendors clearer direction


New Food Safety Act introduced

The Manitoba government is expanding its inspection regime to include inspecting facilities of food processors and distributors, including food warehouses. The new Food Safety Act, introduced last week, would give agriculture department inspectors new powers to enter these facilities and, if necessary, immediately seize and dispose of food or any else posing a food safety