Inspection

• Overview
• Federal Inspection
• Provincial Inspection
• Hungry for More

Overview

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has the authority to inspect food-processing premises under the Canadian Agricultural Products Act as well as the Food and Drugs Act.

The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) sets food safety standards and policies for food premises. It has the power to lay charges, issue a food recall and order an establishment closed.

Federal Inspection

The CFIA enforces the Food and Drugs Act and minimally processed ready-to-eat fruit and vegetables must conform with sections 4 and 7 of the act. Section 4 states that: No person shall sell an article of food that has in or on it any poisonous or harmful substance; is unfit for human consumption; consists in whole or in part of any filthy, putrid, disgusting, rotten, decomposed or diseased animal or vegetable substance; is adulterated; or was manufactured, prepared, preserved, packaged or stored under unsanitary conditions. Section 7 states that: No person shall manufacture, prepare, preserve, package or store for sale any food under unsanitary conditions.

Governments and industry have initiated work in the development of a Code of Practice for Minimally Processed Ready-to-Eat Vegetables in response to the increased consumption of minimally processed ready-to-eat vegetables and the risks of food-borne illness associated with these products.

This voluntary code is intended to provide guidance for the safe manufacturing of minimally processed ready-to-eat vegetables. As there are several processes available to manufacture these products, a general approach has been taken in developing this code. It is not intended to cover all possible means of implementing preventative measures. Alternative approaches may apply if they adequately minimize food safety hazards. Manufacturers are encouraged to use the general recommendations of this code to tailor food safety practices appropriate to their particular operations.

Provincial Inspection

A public health inspection is generally initiated after a complaint has been lodged or there is reason to suspect a problem. For more information, contact the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) INFOline at 1-800-268-1154 (Toll-free in Ontario only).

Food safety inspections are carried out for the (MOHLTC) by local public health units. There are 37 health units in Ontario, and each one operates independently.

For the health unit nearest you, consult the blue pages in your telephone directory or this list of Municipal Public Health Units.

Hungry for More

Information about inspection requirements for federally registered processing establishments and imported products – including fresh fruits and vegetables – is provided by CFIA’s Plant Products Directorate.

Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Food Safety Page

Note: This web page is currently under review. It will return shortly with updated information and links concerning food safety. For immediate information, contact your Public Health Unit.