The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced that the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food has completed its review of the Safe Food for Canadians Act and has now referred it back to the House of Commons for Report Stage and Third reading.
This brings the Government one step closer to strengthening and modernizing Canada's food safety system to make sure it continues to provide safe food for consumers.
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz said that this act will grant new authorities to lower food safety risks and will build additional safety into the system, from processor to importer to consumer.
"Consolidating authorities into one Act will make inspection and enforcement powers consistent across all food commodities, enabling inspectors to be more efficient, and allowing the CFIA to focus on higher risk areas, Ritz added.
The Act allows for tougher penalties for activities that put the health and safety of Canadians at risk; a more consistent inspection regime across all food commodities; better control over imports and exports; and strengthened food traceability.
