Chemical Residues in Food

The chemical residue surveillance program of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) consists of three well-defined components. The first is monitoring sampling, which probes the food supply for potential contamination. The second is directed sampling which focuses on identified chemical contamination issues and the third is compliance sampling, which seeks removal of food in violation of standards from the marketplace.

• Chemical Residue Surveillance Program for Foods

Chemical residue reports

• 2009/2010
  • Aflatoxin in Dried Figs and Dried Dates
  • Arsenic Speciation in Rice and Pear Products
  • Bisphenol-A in Infant Food and Formula
  • Children's Food Project - Report on sampling
  • Food Colours Used in the Production of Manufactured Foods
  • Melamine Residues In Fluid Milk, Milk-based Products and Soy-based Products
  • Ochratoxin A and Deoxynivalenol in Selected Foods
  • Undeclared Allergens in Infant Formulas and Foods
• 2008/2009
  • Children's Food Project – Report on sampling

Previously published chemical residue annual reports are available in archives maintained by Library and Archives Canada.

• Reports for results from 2004-05 to 2008-09
• Reports for results from 1994-95 to 2004-05

Additional information

Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) share responsibility for ensuring that Canada's food supply is safe.

Health Canada registers and regulates agricultural chemicals, including pest control products, veterinary drugs and food additives. In addition, under the authority of the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations, Health Canada sets the maximum residue limits (MRL) of chemicals in food products and establishes maximum allowable levels of contamination for environmental and industrial pollutants. 

• Bureau of Chemical Safety
• Bureau of Microbial Hazards
• Compendium of Analytical Methods
• Pest Management Regulatory Agency
• Veterinary Drugs Directorate

The CFIA is responsible for the surveillance of chemical residues in foods and their adherence to these Regulations.

• CFIA-HC Food Sampling and Testing Terminology
• Standards Council of Canada - List of Accredited Laboratories