About the CFIA  

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency: Contributing to the Quality of Canadian Life

Who We Are

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), which was officially created in April 1997, safeguards Canada’s food supply and the plants and animals upon which safe and high-quality food depends.

Our Services

The CFIA delivers inspection programs related to food, plants and animals in 18 regions across Canada. Our role is to enforce the food safety and nutritional quality standards established by Health Canada and, for animal health and plant protection, to set standards and carry out enforcement and inspection.

Our work involves everything from the inspection of federally-registered meat processing facilities to the enforcement of practices related to fraudulent labelling. We also verify the humane transportation of animals, conduct food investigations and recalls, perform laboratory testing and environmental assessments of seeds, plants, feeds and fertilizers. In a nutshell, we’re Canada’s federal food safety, animal health and plant protection enforcement agency.

The CFIA Workforce

The CFIA employs approximately 5,900 dedicated, highly-trained professionals who work to meet the demands of domestic and international consumers and markets. Our staff comprises a broad range of specialists, including veterinarians, inspectors, systems specialists, support staff, financial officers, research scientists and laboratory technicians.

With headquarters in the National Capital Region, the CFIA organization consists of four operational areas (Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario and Western), subdivided into 18 regional offices. It operates 151 field offices and manages 14 laboratories and research facilities that provide scientific advice, develop new technologies, provide testing services, and conduct research. We also have staff working in these areas in 7 facilities managed by other government departments.

Our Organizational Structure

The CFIA is led by a President who reports to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. The President is supported by an Executive team that allows us to meet our commitments to science and to deal with the continuum of food production from primary production to the retail level.

Our Legislative Authority

The CFIA is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the following Acts: Agriculture and Agri-Food Administrative Monetary Penalties Act, Canada Agricultural Products Act, Canadian Food Inspection Agency Act, Feeds Act, Fertilizers Act, Fish Inspection Act, Health of Animals Act, Meat Inspection Act, Plant Breeders’ Rights Act, Plant Protection Act, Seeds Act, and the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act and the enforcement of the Food and Drugs Act as they relate to food.

The Agency protects consumers by contributing to food safety, the protection of plants and the health of animals in Canada. Food safety and consumer protection are essential to the health of Canadians. Inspection and verification of importers and exporters enhance the level of confidence in agricultural inputs, animal and plant health and food safety, elements essential to marketplace confidence. The legislative authorities provide health, social and economic benefits for all Canadians.

For more information:

Canadian Food Inspection Agency: (613) 225-2342, CFIA Media Relations: (613) 228-6682 or the CFIA website: www.inspection.gc.ca

P0175E-05
December 2005