Food Safety, Inspections and Quality Control

Chapter 2 of Your Guide to Food Processing in Ontario provides important information on issues of food safety, including:

• your responsibilities and obligations
• federal, provincial and municipal regulations
• contacts and on-line links directing you to resources.

Health Canada establishes policies and standards governing the safety and nutritional quality of all food sold in Canada, and carries out foodborne disease surveillance for early detection and warning.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) administers and enforces all federal legislation related to food inspection, agricultural inputs and animal and plant health. The CFIA is also responsible for inspecting and regulating federally registered establishments, which are generally those that move products across provincial or national boundaries.

The Advantage Series of Food Safety Programs™ can help you implement a solid plan for food safety. The programs follow best practices and HACCP principles. HACCP is an internationally recognized system to enhance food safety throughout the food chain. It is being used by more and more companies around the world.

Quality Control

Chapter 6 of Your Guide to Food Processing in Ontario addresses issues of quality control for food processors, including:

• Quality Programs
• Product Certifications
• Sanitation Programs

Quality control certification may be required to market your product through chain stores or food distributors. The following information may prove useful:

• Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP): This internationally recognized system monitors the points of entry of hazardous materials and infections.
• ISO 9000: This intensive quality assurance program has been adopted by most international food processing companies.
• SQF 1000 and 2000: These standards combine the principles of HACCP and ISO 9000 to provide a quality management program from farm to plate.
• The Guelph Food Technology Centre offers training in quality control and product safety processes.