Government leadership in food safety

As Canada’s largest science-based regulatory agency, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for the delivery of all federally mandated programs for food inspection, plant and animal health products and production systems, and consumer protection as it relates to food.

The CFIA works closely with a variety of partners, including Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada, to protect our food supply. The sectors regulated by the CFIA include agriculture, agri-food, fish, seafood, plant, nursery and forestry.

Food safety is the top priority of the CFIA. Sound science, an effective regulatory base, the delivery of effective inspection programs and the fostering of strong partnerships are key to the Agency’s work in safeguarding Canada’s food, animals and plants, all of which enhances the health and well-being of Canada’s people, environment and economy.

In an international context, the CFIA strives to ensure that the international regulatory framework, as it relates to the Agency's mandate, is strong, coherent and science-based.

It’s also our job, along with industry and others, to educate the public about food safety.

The "Government leadership in food safety" section provides information on:

• Science-based regulation
• Delivery of inspection services
• Verifying industry's compliance with regulations
• Agri-food: Federally regulated sectors (non meat and fish)
• Non-federally registered sector
• Imported foods
• Managing food safety risks
• Partnerships
• International standards
• CFIA's Food Safety Action Plan

Next page: Science-based regulation