The government of Canada,in partnership with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency(CFIA),has unveiled a draft model to improve food inspection in the country.
CFIA noted that the draft model proposes a single approach to food inspection that will provide consistent and appropriate oversight across all regulated food commodities-either imported or produced domestically.
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz said that a single inspection approach will make an even stronger system that will benefit all Canadians.
The aspects of the proposed draft model are:a single licensing and registration requirement for those manufacturing,importing and/or exporting food for trade outside provincial borders;more consistent inspection across all regulated food commodities;a scaled approach that adapts to the size and complexity of businesses;and the distribution of more information to consumers about compliance and enforcement activities.
The draft food inspection model is based on feedback from discussions with inspectors and industry stakeholders.
This initiative is part of the commitment made by the government of Canada in Budget 2011,which provided the CFIA with C$100m($100.63m)over five years to modernize food safety inspection in Canada.
