And we've recently enhanced our commitment to the systematic monitoring of livestock and the food they ultimately provide. The Ontario Animal Health Surveillance Network tracks finished food products - from the farm right through to the processor. More importantly, however, it's because we recognize the importance of a safe food supply - not just to consumers in Ontario, but to people right around the world. And now that we've won that reputation, we intend to keep it. While we have achieved many successes, there is a need for more action.
Food borne illnesses remain a serious public health problem.
More often than not, we call those illnesses food poisoning. No matter what terminology we use, however, microbial food borne illness is the largest class of emerging infectious diseases in Canada. Every year, there are one million reported cases of food borne illness in Canada. But many more cases are never reported. While most often the symptoms of food borne illness are much like the flu, in some cases, these illnesses can cause permanent harm, such as kidney damage.