New Food Safety Legislation

By / Food / June 20th, 2012 / 1

The improvements that the federal government is making to food inspection by ensuring that all food is held to the same standard is certainly welcome (and a long time in coming). Food & Consumer Products of Canada (FCPC) strongly supports the new legislation, too. They are the “largest industry association in Canada representing the food and consumer products industry. Our member companies make and market retailer and national brands sold through grocery, drug, convenience, mass merchandise and foodservice distribution channels.” That’s all well and fine, of course. But, there’s nothing wrong with a healthy dose of skepticism. Any movement toward a more transparent and rigorous system of ensuring that food is properly inspected before it’s sold is worth supporting. But, let’s make sure, as consumers of these products, that those charged with being vigilant aren’t cutting corners.

FCPC has been working closely with the federal government to help modernize our existing food safety laws. The new legislation focuses on prevention and will also consolidate existing laws into one allowing for greater consistency across product categories and harmonizing enforcement powers. New offences related to product tampering have been introduced, and higher financial penalties for food safety violations have been authorized. Recently the government also introduced amendments to the Food and Drugs Act in Bill C-38 which will bring about much needed improvement to the way food is approved in Canada.

Nancy Croitoru, President & CEO, Food & Consumer Products of Canada suggests that “Canadians already enjoy some of the safest food products in the world. The proposed Safe Foods for Canadians Act will definitely further enhance Canada’s reputation as global food safety leaders.” I hope they don’t stop there. How about labelling GMO products, too?

Good to Know

  • The food and consumer products manufacturing industry employs 300,000 Canadians – the largest employer in the manufacturing sector.
  • The industry operates more than 6,000 manufacturing facilities in both urban and rural areas in every region in the country.
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