OTTAWA, Canada - The Safe Food for Canadians Act was adopted by the Senate on October 17.
"Canadian consumers have always been our Government's top priority when it comes to food safety," said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "This legislation demonstrates the Harper Government's commitment to strengthening Canada's food safety system and we hope this legislation is passed expeditiously by Members of Parliament."
The Safe Food for Canadians Act modernizes and enhances the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) approach to food safety, the agency said. The new Act, when adopted, will deliver more consistent inspection and enforcement authorities to the CFIA.
Specifically, it will allow for inspectors to compel food producers to provide information in a timely and standardized manner, and gives authority to the CFIA to require traceability systems for food producers by way of regulation.
More information about the Safe Food for Canadians Act can be found here, including the bill in its entirety.