New Forum Gives Consumer Associations a Clear Voice in Food Safety

Backgrounder

Ottawa, December 8, 2010: Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz launched a new roundtable focused on giving consumers an additional opportunity to raise concerns and discuss ways to further improve Canada's food safety system. This new forum is another way the Government of Canada is improving transparency, consultations and communications with Canadians, as recommended by the 2008 report of the independent investigator, Sheila Weatherill.

"Canadian families have always played a front-line role in food safety, whether it's in their kitchen or when providing valuable feedback to our Government," said Minister Ritz. "Food safety is a top priority for our Government and this new, consumer-focused forum will help make Canada's food safety system even stronger."

The roundtable will improve collaboration with consumer associations and will share information and ideas important to all Canadians. The forum will give consumers a stronger voice in food safety and related issues under the mandate of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Eight core consumer associations with national or significant regional representation will make up the roundtable. Additional representatives, experts and speakers will be invited to participate. See the backgrounder for more info.

Dr. Brian Evans, of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), and Chief Food Safety Officer and Chief Veterinary Officer for Canada, will chair the roundtable, which will take place at least twice annually, with contact being maintained throughout the year as issues requiring input arise.

For additional information, please visit the CFIA website at www.inspection.gc.ca.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media Relations
613-773-6600

Additional Information:

• Backgrounder – Consumer Association Roundtable Members
• Consumer Association Roundtable

Backgrounder - Consumer Association Roundtable Members

Consumers Association of Canada is the country's longest serving independent consumer advocacy organization. The CAC is a non-profit Society, governed and operated by volunteers with branches in every Province. Their aim is to raise consumer awareness of marketplace issues, including food distribution, health, trade, communications and financial services.

Consumers Council of Canada is a Canada-wide, fact-based, multi-issue, and membership-based consumer organization that provides consumer representation, research and information. The Council helps business and government manage today’s consumer issues. It aims to create an efficient, equitable, safe and effective marketplace through the consideration of consumer rights and responsibilities in decision-making processes.

Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) is a national, non-partisan, not-for-profit organization committed to a "New Vision of Aging for Canada" promoting social change that will bring financial security, equitable access to health care and freedom from discrimination. Its mandate is to promote and protect the interests, rights and quality of life for Canadians as they age.

Option consommateurs is a not-for-profit association whose mission is to defend the rights and interests of consumers of Canada and to ensure that they are respected.

People’s Food Policy Project is a pan-Canadian network of citizens and organizations working to create a federal food policy for Canada.

Dietitians of Canada represents almost 6000 dietitians across Canada.  DC advances health through food and nutrition, by providing trusted information to Canadians and advising governments on best practices in nutrition.

Anaphylaxis Canada is a national non-profit organization dedicated to helping those at risk for anaphylaxis and those who care for them. They are committed to creating a safer world for people with severe allergies through research, education and advocacy.

Association québécoise des allergies alimentaires is a not-for-profit member-based association with the broad mandate to help improve the quality of life and safety of those who live with food allergies.