Food recalls

Once a contaminated food product has been identified in the marketplace, industry works with the CFIA, Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada and other public health officials to:

• alert the public of foods that may pose a serious health risk
• remove all unsafe food from the market place

More often than not, industry itself voluntarily initiates food recalls in Canada under the direction of the CFIA. The CFIA also conducts verification checks to ensure the recall has been conducted effectively.

If a firm is unwilling to remove an affected product or a recall has been found ineffective, the CFIA can issue a mandatory recall order under the CFIA act. The CFIA can also seize affected products and prosecute any firms which do not comply with recall orders.

• Sign up to receive email notifications of food recalls/allergy alerts
  • Food recalls/allergy alerts
  • Food recall and emergency response
  • Health Canada
  • How does a recall happen?
  • Public Health Agency of Canada

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