Our Laboratories

The CFIA's Science Branch has a network of 12 laboratories across the country and approximately 1000 dedicated staff, including a broad range of specialists, professionals, and research scientists. Four of these laboratories are recognized as reference laboratories for the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and are considered to be international centres of expertise for designated diseases.

The CFIA is committed to enhancing the security and safe work practices of containment facilities in Canada through the provision of regulatory controls for animal pathogens, containment standards, biosafety advice, and training. The work is divided into the following program areas: Animal Pathogen Importation, Biocontainment and Certification, Standards and Guidelines, Biosafety Services, and the safety program for CFIA laboratories. The CFIA has also implemented the Containment Standards for Facilities Handling Plant Pests and the Containment Standards for Facilities Handling Aquatic Animal Pathogens.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) have published a joint international standard for laboratories. All CFIA laboratories are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 by the Standards Council of Canada for specific tests.

While some laboratories conduct diagnostic tests and research activities in only one of animal health, plant health, or food safety, others support more than one business line. In 2009–2010, more than 2 million test results were produced from food samples. These tests are used to detect allergens, toxins, pesticides, veterinary drug residues and chemical contaminants, extraneous matter, and microbial pathogens. CFIA plant health laboratories performed more than 94 000 routine diagnostic analyses and more than 189 000 diagnostic tests to support emergency response programs for Phytophthora ramorum (sudden oak death), plum pox virus, and potato cyst nematode. In addition, almost half a million animal health tests were conducted, including those for ongoing surveillance for animal diseases in Canada.

CFIA's Lethbridge, Alberta Laboratory

 

Laboratory tests can result in food recalls or be used to improve surveillance programs, develop risk-based programs and demonstrate the safety of the Canadian food supply. Emerging hazards influence the number of test results produced by laboratories. As an example, when melamine was identified as an issue in imported milk products in 2008, the CFIA produced 600 additional test results. These stemmed from a quick testing method developed by CFIA scientists to screen multiple food commodities that potentially contain milk-based ingredients.

 

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Map of CFIA Science Branch Laboratories

Modernizing our laboratories

In 2009, the CFIA received more than $24 million to modernize laboratories. Thirty upgrade projects were completed in CFIA laboratories across Canada in 2009–2010. Modern facilities are critical for our scientists to continue researching and advising on the health and safety concerns of Canadians.

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