Food > Labelling > Allergens 

National Sector Assessment 2000 - Import Sector

In Canada, food safety is everyone's business. Government, industry and the consumer each have a role to play. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has responsibility for the delivery of all federal food inspection programs and related activities. Health Canada is responsible for the development and administration of health and safety policies and standards for all foods. Industry is responsible for complying with the standards set by government. In this regard the CFIA has been working closely with Health Canada and the Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters to develop a preventive program to assist Canadian importers in meeting the challenge presented by food allergens.

Food allergies are a growing concern for both consumers and the food industry. Allergic reactions to foods can vary from minor to life-threatening. Some Canadian importers have had to conduct costly recalls to remove unacceptable products from the retail market. In fact, during the past year, 54% of all allergy-related recalls co-ordinated by the CFIA resulted from imported foods.

To help importers improve the safety of their foods and to reduce the need for costly recalls, the CFIA, in consultation with the Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters, conducted a nationwide assessment of the labelling and allergen controls in the import sector. The assessment was conducted at Canadian importers who are regulated primarily under the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations. The assessment focused on information transfer and on assessing the controls needed to reduce the potential for allergic reactions resulting from imported food products.

As the first step in the nationwide assessment in early 1999, over 3,700 information packages were sent to importers. The package contained information on the assessment and labelling of food allergens, as well as a suggested allergen checklist to assist importers in obtaining information concerning allergens from their suppliers. Subsequently, 116 assessments of randomly selected importers were completed by the CFIA.

Enclosed is the final import sector report with recommendations and an updated allergen checklist. The suggested allergen checklist or an equivalent document may be used to obtain product information from suppliers. Product information is essential to implement some of the recommendations.

The enclosed import sector report along with a set of recommendations is being widely distributed to importers, industry associations, including the Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters, and government agencies. It is anticipated that the report will be used by recipients to develop allergen prevention plans and/or to conduct allergy awareness and information sessions for their members or employees.

If you have any questions regarding the import sector report and recommendations, or if you would like to obtain more information on the assessment, please contact the CFIA office nearest you.

Thank you for your co-operation.

P. J. Brackenridge
A/Vice-President, Programs

January 26, 2001