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POWER FAILURE FOOD SAFETY TIPS RELEASED

OTTAWA, August 21, 2003 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has produced a series of food safety tips for consumers and food retailers affected by recent power failures in Ontario. The tips are intended to reduce the risk posed by food that may have spoiled due to insufficient cooling or heating.

The tips, which target consumers and food retailers, emphasize minimum requirements for proper refrigeration, freezing and cooking to keep food free from viruses, bacteria and parasites. Both consumers and food retailers are urged to exercise caution when considering whether to eat, sell or serve potentially affected food. "When in doubt, throw it out" is the recommended approach.

The CFIA also gives guidelines for safe food storage and how to spot possible signs of food spoilage. The tips can be found on the CFIA’s Website: www.inspection.gc.ca.

The site also provides a list of links to other government and industry sites with related information.

Food safety in Canada is the shared responsibility of the Government of Canada; provincial, territorial and municipal governments; health professionals, scientists, industry, and the general public. Part of the CFIA’s role is to provide inspection services related to food safety, animal health and plant protection. Although all government departments and agencies in Ontario are operating at reduced capacity in to conserve energy, the CFIA’s food-safety related activities remain fully functional.

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For more information:

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
(604) 666-1357 / (403) 292-6733

• Food Safety Facts on Power Failure (Consumers)
• Food Safety Facts on Power Failure (Retailers)