Fruits and Vegetables

| Description | Program Contacts | Additional Information |

Description

Under the Food Safety Monitoring (FSM) Program, program staff collects samples of Ontario fruit and vegetables and processed fruit and vegetable products throughout the year. To verify compliance with Health Canada standards, samples are submitted to an accredited laboratory for foodborne pathogen, chemical residue and other contaminant testing. Microbial non-compliance is reported to the producer, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care (MOHLTC) and the local health unit where the sample was collected. Follow up may include a resample, educational material and/or an advisory visit by an OMAFRA Risk Management Specialist and/or other government agency staff. If warranted, product detention or recall may result from the findings. Chemical non-compliance of Ontario produce is reported to the producer and followed up by Ministry staff.

Program staff prepare and disseminate educational material for fruit and vegetable products regarding requirements legislated by Regulation 119/11 of the Food Safety and Quality Act, 2001. This regulation includes packaging, labeling and quality standards as well as requirements for signs and advertisements at the retail level. Program staff may investigate and/or assist in the resolution of disputes which may arise regarding quality, labelling or food safety issues. When necessary, compliance and enforcement action may be taken.

The program has also developed educational material including a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Guidebook and periodically sponsors educational workshops for the industry.

Program Contacts 

Tracy Adams
Program Manager
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Food Inspection Branch
1 Stone Road West, 5th Floor NW
Guelph, ON N1G 4Y2
Tel: 888-466-2372 ext 519-826-4379 (Ontario Only)
or 519-826-4379
Fax: 519-826-3233
Email: tracy.adams2@ontario.ca

Sarah Martz
Risk Identification and Management Coordinator
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Food Inspection Branch
1 Stone Road West, 5th Floor North West
Guelph, ON N1G 4Y2
Tel: 1-888-466-2372, ext 519-826-4655 (Ontario only)
or 519-826-4655
Fax: 519-826-3233
Email: sarah.martz@ontario.ca

Bengt Schumacher
Risk Management Specialist
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Food Inspection Branch
2284 Nursery Road
Midhurst, Ontario L0L 1X0
Tel: 705-725-7295
Fax: 705-725-5751
Email: bengt.schumacher@ontario.ca

Peter van Weerden
Risk Management Specialist
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Food Inspection Branch
4890 Victoria St. North, Box 800
Vineland Station, Ontario L0R 2E0
Tel: 905-562-1671
Fax: 905-562-5639
Email: peter.vanweerden@ontario.ca

Louise Agius
Risk Management Specialist
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Food Inspection Branch
1 Stone Road West, 5th Floor North West
Guelph, ON N1G 4Y2
Tel: 1-888-466-2372, ext 519-826-6610 (Ontario only)
or 519-826-6610
Fax: 519-826-3233
Email: louise.agius@ontario.ca

Nicole Robb
Regulatory & Standards Coordinator
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Food Inspection Branch
1 Stone Road West, 5th Floor North West
Guelph, ON N1G 4Y2
Tel: 1-888-466-2372, ext 519-826-4380 (Ontario only)
or 519-826-4380
Fax: 519-826-3233
Email: nicole.robb@ontario.ca

Loree Saunders
Compliance Programs Coordinator
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Food Inspection Branch
1 Stone Road West, 5th Floor North West
Guelph, ON N1G 4Y2
Tel: 1-888-466-2372, ext 519-826-5255 (Ontario only)
or 519-826-5255
Fax: 519-826-3233
Email: loree.saunders@ontario.ca

Linda Hill
Data & Issues Management Coordinator
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Food Inspection Branch
1 Stone Road West, 5th Floor North West
Guelph, ON N1G 4Y2
Tel: 1-888-466-2372, ext 519-826-4532 (Ontario only)
or 519-826-4532
Fax: 519-826-3233
Email: linda.hill@ontario.ca