Sample regularly for antibiotic and sulfa drug residues, hormones, pesticides, fungicides and heavy metals in food products taken from registered plants. Any samples exceeding safe levels established by Health Canada are condemned. Test for harmful bacteria, such as salmonella and listeria, and work with Health Canada to reduce the possibility of illness caused by food-borne bacteria. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has an extensive Salmonella Control program to curb the bacteria in chick hatcheries, feed plants, poultry processing plants and among workers. Register animal feed processors and monitor ingredients in feed, according to standards set by Health Canada.
Corrective action is taken if needed.
Approve labels and inspect labeling in registered plants, under standards set by the Consumer Packaging and Labeling Act. Test thousands of random samples of fresh and processed agricultural products to detect residues. If residues are found, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada takes control measures for problem producers. They check more samples and trade them back to the farm for follow-up. For example, if the problem is with hogs, the farmer must ship five advance hogs for testing before marketing any other animals.