While Canada has one of the best food safety systems in the world, there is still a need to remain in the forefront of the global evolution to new inspection methodologies. Redesigned Programs - The evolution of new inspection methodologies is changing the approach taken to inspection around the world. The focus is increasingly oriented towards the audit of industry activities, supported by strong compliance and enforcement tools. Despite the consolidation of federal inspection activities into a single agency, food safety remains a shared responsibility in Canada. Industry is responsible for the production, processing and sale of safe, high quality food in compliance with established standards.
Consumers have the right to be informed and the responsibility to handle food properly.
Governments both federal and provincial, have responsibility to set and enforce standards pertaining to the health and safety and to verify that product information provided by industry is sufficient and accurate. The CFIA currently administers or enforces 13 pieces of legislation and related regulations. In an effort to streamline this legislation, the Agency established a Task Force to consult with its partners on developing a plan to modernize and consolidate the legislation. The CFIA is also working with its government partners to develop a common legislative base that will facilitate the adoption of harmonized standards and core regulations. The creation of the CFIA as an alternative service delivery vehicle has provided new flexibilities for the delivery of inspection activities.