Microbiology Evaluation Division
The Evaluation Division of the Bureau of Microbial Hazards is responsible for evaluating microbial contaminants in food and setting standards to minimize health risks related to the consumption of contaminated products. As part of the Food Directorate, the Microbiology Evaluation Division studies the safety of foods in relation to infectious and toxigenic organisms and recommends measures of control. It is divided into three sections: 1) Microbial Risk Assessment Section, 2) Novel Foods Section, and 3) Policy Development and Methods Section. The major activities of the Evaluation Division, Bureau of Microbial Hazards are:
- assessment of potential health risks posed by foodborne pathogens and injurious extraneous material in food;
- determination of areas of food processing and handling requiring improved operating practices;
- assessment of the acceptability of food sold in Canada in terms of microbial and injurious extraneous material contents;
- establishment of standards and guidelines and proposals for amendment of existing regulations, when deemed appropriate;
- standardization of methods for use by the Regional laboratories and other organizations; assessment of the acceptability of food products and constituents through the evaluation of externally generated petitions including those from the food industry;
- coordination of the safety evaluation of novel foods, including foods derived from biotechnology in Canada;
provides guidance and direction for the National Food Program.
The Microbiology Evaluation Division conducts specific risk assessments for foodborne pathogens (bacteria, viruses and parasites) in foods in collaboration with the Microbiology Research Division and Canadian Food Inspection Agency staff.
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