AGRI Committee Report

During the entire course of this study on food safety, the deaths of 22 Canadians were on the minds of all members. Although safety is a relative notion, since there is no such thing as a zero risk, members still believe food produced in Canada remains among the safest in the world. The Subcommittee identified areas of improvement, such as a common approach to food safety, standards for the implementation of food safety programs such as HACCP and traceability systems, an enhanced foodborne illness surveillance system, better inter-agency protocols in case of an outbreak, and increased resources for our inspection programs. With respect to public health, the Subcommittee wants to see stronger prevention, surveillance and response protocols. If fully implemented, the Subcommittee believes these recommendations will improve the Canadian food safety system and mitigate future tragedies.