A discussion document called The Case for Change is now available for comment and stakeholders can submit feedback to the CFIA until 31 July 2012. This feedback will help the Agency draft an improved food inspection approach that will be the subject of continued stakeholder consultation throughout the year in order to refine the suggested approach.
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz said the country already has a top-tier food safety system but the goal is to be the best.
"Simply put, we want Canadians to have the safest food in the world. That is why we are seeking input from consumers, inspectors, food safety experts, industry and everyone who has a role to play in food safety," Ritz added.
The new food inspection approach aims to include more consistent oversight and management of risk across all regulated food commodities. It will also support the next-generation food inspector with new tools and training.
Enhancing the inspection system is part of the commitment made in Budget 2011, which provided the CFIA with $100m over five years to modernize food safety inspection in Canada.
