Chicken Farmers of Canada has become the first national commodity organization to be recognized by governments for the strength of its on-farm food safety program.
During the CFC annual meeting in Ottawa March 19, agriculture minister Gerry Ritz presented the organization with the first “letter of recognition” for compliance with the On-Farm Food Safety Recognition Program.
“You are showing the way for the industry,” Ritz told the meeting.
The recognition was endorsed by federal and provincial governments.
CFC chair David Janzen said it reflects the fact that 96 percent of chicken producers are certified with the On-Farm Food Safety Assurance Program, agreeing to meet production safety standards and a mandatory farm food safety auditing process.
Read Also
Supreme Court gives thumbs-up emoji case the thumbs down
Saskatchewan farmer wanted to appeal the court decision that a thumbs-up emoji served as a signature to a grain delivery contract.
He said the government recognition is an important breakthrough for the industry, which has been rocked by consumer food safety concerns in recent years.
“This is an exciting day for the industry and for Canadian consumers,” said Janzen.
The government recognition allows the $1.7 billion chicken industry to advertise its status as the only sector that has won official recognition for the strength of its on-farm food safety system.
