Canada Targets Food Safety Inspections

The Canadian government has issued a discussion document outlining a
plan for a “stronger, more comprehensive inspection approach to further
strengthen food safety.” Titled “Improved Food Inspection Model: The Case for
Change,” the plan represents the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA’s)
latest effort to keep up with a changing global “food landscape.” Last year,
CFIA was allocated $100 million over a five-year period to modernize Canada’s
food safety inspections.

According to CFIA, the agency operates eight separate food inspection
programs for dairy, eggs, fish and seafood, fresh fruits and vegetables,
imported and manufactured food, maple, meat, and processed products that
include honey. “Having eight food programs has resulted in the development
and use of different risk management frameworks, inspection methods, and
compliance verification and enforcement approaches,” the document states.
“This challenges the CFIA to manage risks consistently across different types
of establishments and different foods.”

CFIA’s plan includes providing more consistent oversight and risk management
for both imported and domestic foods, and better training and tools for
front-line inspectors. The agency seeks input from stakeholders by July 31,
2012. See CFIA Press Release, June 1, 2012.