Government of Canada Improves Access to Allergen Information

OTTAWA, February 24, 2011 : As part of its commitment to protect the health and safety of Canadians, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced today that it will begin issuing email notifications for all classes of allergy recalls.

All Class I, II and III allergen recalls will now be emailed to subscribers, in addition to the existing practice of being posted on the CFIA website. This measure is being implemented in order to strengthen the CFIA's ability to communicate recall information to Canadians with food allergies.  

"The majority of food available in Canada is very safe, but Canadians living with severe food allergies can experience serious and life-threatening reactions to products containing undeclared allergens in otherwise safe foods," said the Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. "This Government is taking all steps necessary to provide consumers with special needs the information and tools they need to buy food for themselves and their families that is safe."

This is part of the CFIA's ongoing commitment to deliver recall information to Canadians in a timely manner in order for them to be able to make informed food choices.

Anyone interested in receiving email notifications when products are recalled can register on the CFIA's website.

For more information

For more information, consumers can call the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday) or visit the CFIA's website. Food and consumer product recalls are also available at Healthy Canadians.

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CFIA Media Relations
613-773-6600

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Questions and Answers

Q1 Why is the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issuing email notifications for all allergy recalls?

The CFIA will issue email notifications for all allergy recalls as part of its ongoing commitment to give Canadians with food allergies access to timely information on food products with undeclared allergens as quickly as possible. By sending out email notifications for all Class II and III allergy recalls, Canadians will be better informed about food safety and have the information they need to keep their families safe.

Q2 What classes of allergy recalls were publicized previously?

Previously, email notifications were only issued for allergy recalls that represented a significant human health risk (Class I and some Class II recalls), or when extenuating circumstances make it prudent to inform the public, were made public.

Q3 Why is the CFIA making this change now?

Based on feedback from consumers and allergy associations, the CFIA reviewed its communication of allergen recalls and the best means to provide information to Canadians with allergies so they can make important food decisions. By issuing email notifications for all allergy recalls, allergy sufferers will have easier access to the information that will help them to make more informed decisions about the food they eat.

Q4 What are the different classes of recalls?

There are three classes of food recalls:

• Class I - represents a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the consumption/exposure to a food will lead to adverse health consequences which are serious or life-threatening, or that the probability of a foodborne outbreak situation is considered high.
• Class II - represents a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the consumption/exposure to a food will lead to temporary or non-life threatening health consequences or that the probability of serious adverse consequences is considered remote.
• Class III - represents a situation in where there is a reasonable probability that the consumption/exposure to a food is not likely to result in any adverse health consequences.

Q5 I have a peanut allergy. Can I sign up for email notifications related to peanuts only, or do I have to receive emails on all allergens?

Subscribers have the ability to sign up to receive email notifications specific to the priority allergens determined by Health Canada. Those suffering with other allergies have the ability to sign up to receive all allergy-related emails to ensure they are able to make informed decisions when making food choices. More information on the priority allergens can be found on the CFIA Website.

Q6 How many emails should I expect?

Those signed up for all emails can expect to see receive between 100 and 150 allergy-related emails on average each year. This equates to an average of 45 to 60 additional emails when receiving Class II and III notifications.

Q7 Can I sign up to receive allergy recall notices?

Yes. You can sign up to receive e-mail notification of food recalls.