Questions and Answers: CFIA Investigation into Capital Packers Inc. (Listeria monocytogenes)
Information on Canada's food safety and recall system
How does our food safety system compared to other countries?
Canada has one of the most stringent food safety systems in the world. Canada was ranked 4th overall (tied with U.S.) in the international food safety rankings of 17 countries in the 2010 Food Safety Performance World Ranking study of Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development countries. In fact, Canada was ranked first for its strong levels of clarity and stability of food recall regulations.
How does the recall system work?
Recall events are a routine, and essential, part of any effective food safety system.
A recall involves the removal of potentially unsafe products from the marketplace. Most recalls in Canada are voluntary, which means that the recalls are initiated and carried out by the responsible company. The CFIA works with the company to ensure that the public is informed and that the recall was effective at removing products from the market.
The Canadian Food Safety System: Food Recalls
How will the Safe Food for Canadians Act improve Canada's food safety system?
The Safe Food for Canadians Act will consolidate, harmonize, and modernize the authorities that the CFIA already has, as well as enhancing and adding authorities.
There are a number of authorities in the new Act that would strengthen CFIA's response to recall situations, such as the regulation-making authority for traceability. This will give CFIA the authority to require federally regulated establishments to keep records of who they distribute product to and who they receive product from.
The new Act also provides stronger authorities around the provision of documents by an operator in standard format and within set timeframes.
Is there a way to have recalls happen more quickly?
Recalls will continue to be an integral part of the food safety system. The recall for Capital Packers Inc. was issued immediately on November 22 upon confirmation of non-compliance.
CFIA has established procedures in place for monitoring and enforcing food safety requirements. CFIA identified that Capital Packers Inc. was not in compliance and took appropriate action.
The Safe Food for Canadians Act will help the CFIA more quickly identify potentially unsafe foods in the marketplace by ensuring that important documentations is made available immediately.
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