Close X
Monday, November 11, 2024
ADVT 
National

Canadian Food Inspection Agency Disputes Union Comments On Food Safety

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 02 Apr, 2015 01:31 PM

    EDMONTON — The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says comments made this week by the union representing Canada's meat inspectors are unnecessarily undermining confidence in the country's food safety system.

    A news release signed by president Bruce Archibald says the agency is proud that Canada's food safety system has been rated No. 1 out of 17 countries in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development by the Conference Board of Canada.

    On Tuesday, the Agriculture Union, which represents the CFIA's inspectorate, said a critical shortage of inspectors is putting the safety of consumers at risk across the country.

    It said only 12 of 18 meat hygiene inspection positions are filled at processing plants in northern Alberta and staff were instructed in January to cut sanitation work by 50 per cent.

    The CFIA says the claims that food safety activities have been cut in northern Alberta are false, adding the number of staff in regions fluctuates due to changes in demand for service.

    The news release says the nature of inspection work focuses on areas of highest risk, which can include regional emergencies and enforcement action.

    The union suggested the agency and the federal government were more committed to exports, noting all meat destined for the United States comes from plants that are inspected every 12 hours that they are open.

    NDP agriculture critic Malcolm Allen said the government is creating a two-tiered food inspection system: one for domestic meat and one for meat bound for export.

    The agency says differences in meat inspection systems between the U.S. and Canada are related to trade standards, not food safety.

    "Whether it's federal or industry staff, a food safety inspector is on the ground at all times in every federally registered meat slaughter plant in Canada," says the news release. "A comprehensive system of inspection tasks are routinely carried out in federally registered meat processing plants."

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Wandering Toddler Prompts Licence Suspension Of Vancouver Island Daycare

    Wandering Toddler Prompts Licence Suspension Of Vancouver Island Daycare
    COLWOOD, B.C. — A woman in Colwood, B.C., has had her daycare licence suspended after a toddler in her care was found wandering alone along the side of a road.

    Wandering Toddler Prompts Licence Suspension Of Vancouver Island Daycare

    One Son Of Canadian Consul General Slain In Miami, Other Son Arrested: Reports

    One Son Of Canadian Consul General Slain In Miami, Other Son Arrested: Reports
    MIAMI — A reported marijuana deal gone wrong resulted in gunfire, blood, and a tragedy that has struck the family of a high-ranking Canadian diplomat in the United States.

    One Son Of Canadian Consul General Slain In Miami, Other Son Arrested: Reports

    Will Tax Measures Benefiting All Families Benefit Federal Political Leaders?

    Will Tax Measures Benefiting All Families Benefit Federal Political Leaders?
    OTTAWA — When the prime minister says the government's new tax package will benefit all Canadian families with children under 18, will that include his own?

    Will Tax Measures Benefiting All Families Benefit Federal Political Leaders?

    Ontario Premier Says Indiana's Religious Objections Law Discriminates Against Gay Couples

    TORONTO — Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, who is openly gay, is urging businesses upset by a so-called religious objections law in Indiana to set up shop in her province.

    Ontario Premier Says Indiana's Religious Objections Law Discriminates Against Gay Couples

    Citizenship Ceremony Marks 100 Days To Pan Am Games

    Citizenship Ceremony Marks 100 Days To Pan Am Games
    TORONTO — Zsofi Balasz hadn't even received her Canadian passport when she competed for her new country in the Pan Am Games in Rio de Janeiro.

    Citizenship Ceremony Marks 100 Days To Pan Am Games

    Widespread Use Of Drones By Business Years Away, Experts Say

    Widespread Use Of Drones By Business Years Away, Experts Say
    Businesses may have started planning for the day when drones help their future plans take flight, but experts say corporate visions will have to stay more grounded for several years.

    Widespread Use Of Drones By Business Years Away, Experts Say