In a May 1 news release, the agency said the system of Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs) is an option it can use to address federal violations and "enforce compliance with the requirements for all food in Canada." | File photo

Food safety penalties now in force

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency can now assess penalties of up to $15,000 to food businesses if they violate rules to protect food safety and market access of Canadian goods. In a May 1 news release, the agency said the system of Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs) is an option it can use to address federal […] Read more

The Compliments brand of chicken nuggets is subject to recall due to possible salmonella contamination. | CFIA photo

CFIA issues recall for chicken nuggets

The Compliments brand of chicken nuggets is subject to recall due to possible salmonella contamination. The product has been distributed throughout Canada, excluding Quebec. The warning issued today by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is an extension to another warning issued Jan. 25. People have reported illness as a result of eating the product. At […] Read more

Licensing, preventive controls and traceability for dairy products, eggs and processed fruit or vegetable products are all immediately in force. | File photo

New food safety rules come into play

New regulations governing food safety came into effect in Canada today. The Safe Food for Canadians Regulations are consistent with international standards, the government said, and focus on prevention as well as removing unsafe foods from the marketplace more quickly. Under the new rules, any food businesses that import or prepare food for export across […] Read more


Agent Orange rumour shows depth of misinformation

Rumours still persist that a powerful defoliant used in the Vietnam War is still used today and can found on food

The postings appear periodically on social media, placed by people critical of chemical manufacturers or who promote organic food or reduced chemical use in food crops. The postings are about Agent Orange, and they suggest that the powerful Vietnam War-era defoliant is being used today and can be found in food. Not true, says Joe […] Read more

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency updated its food recall warning yesterday for several types of raspberry mousse cakes distributed across Western Canada and possibly nationally. | CFIA photo

Mousse cakes recalled

A variety of mousse cakes first subject to recall Aug. 11 due to risk of norovirus now are the focus of an expanded recall to include a wider variety of products. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency updated its food recall warning yesterday for several types of raspberry mousse cakes distributed across Western Canada and possibly […] Read more


Consumers want fewer preservatives in food but they need to be prepared to pay for innovative packaging like vacuum-packed products in which air has been replaced with carbon dioxide and nitrogen to slow microbial growth.  |  Karen Morrison photo

Good things come in safe packages

Demands for fewer preservatives can mean a reduction in shelf life, freshness, appearance and flavour

TORONTO — Fewer ingredients in food products could mean a higher cost and shorter shelf life. Carol Zweep, manager of packaging, food and label compliance at NSF International, said some ingredients are necessary for food safety and “product functionality.” “There are a lot of chemical sounding names, but they have a function and sometimes can’t […] Read more

An Alberta law firm has launched a class action lawsuit against Smucker Foods of Canada Corp. following the nationwide food safety recall that involved Robin Hood all-purpose flour milled in Saskatoon. | Brian Cross photo

Recalled flour products focus of lawsuit

An Alberta law firm has launched a class action lawsuit against Smucker Foods of Canada Corp. following the nationwide food safety recall that involved Robin Hood all-purpose flour milled in Saskatoon. James H. Brown and Associates of Edmonton filed a statement of claim on March 31 against Smucker Foods of Canada Corp. Claimants are seeking […] Read more

Old Dutch cheddar and sour cream potato chips are the subject of a recall announced Dec. 20 by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency due to risk of salmonella contamination. | Screecap via www.inspection.gc.ca

Potato chips recalled

Old Dutch cheddar and sour cream potato chips are the subject of a recall announced Dec. 20 by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency due to risk of salmonella contamination. The potato chips have been distributed in the four western provinces and in Ontario and are being voluntarily recalled by Old Dutch Foods Ltd. There have […] Read more


Broccoli slaw distributed by Sobeys stores across most of Canada is subject to recall for potentially carrying listeria bacteria. | Screencap via www.inspection.gc.ca

CFIA recalls broccoli slaw

Broccoli slaw distributed by Sobeys stores across most of Canada is subject to recall for potentially carrying listeria bacteria. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued the warning Nov. 28, affecting all provinces except Quebec. Sobeys is voluntarily recalling the Compliments brand of broccoli slaw in the 340-gram package bearing a best before date of Nov. […] Read more

Updated food safety standards will put greater focus on corporate responsibility to ensure safe handling and correct labelling.  | File photo

Food sector faces new food safety regulations

Safe Food for Canadians Act outlines inspection requirements, mandatory licensing and product labelling

OTTAWA — New food safety regulations should be published later this year with an emphasis on continuous improvement throughout the chain. Regulations for the 2012 Safe Food for Canadians Act will be published in the Canada Gazette, and it will be open for public comment, federal Health Minister Jane Philpott told the Canadian Meat Council’s […] Read more