Whether shopping at a chain grocery store, a fish market, or a neighbourhood butcher, Canadians want to know the food they purchase for themselves or their families is safe, and they want to be able to make informed decisions about healthy eating.
Under the Minister of Health, the Government of Canada has brought together under one portfolio the three organizations that are responsible for meeting these expectations:
Health Canada develops food safety and nutrition standards and policies, assesses food safety risks, and promotes healthy eating through initiatives like Canada's Food Guide..
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency, guided by the Government's Safe Food for Canadians Action Plan, verifies that industry is meeting federal food safety and regulatory requirements, and sets standards to detect and prevent risks to Canada's food supply..
The Public Health Agency of Canada conducts food-related illness surveillance and outbreak investigations, and provides advice to Canadians on how to protect themselves during an outbreak..
Aligning these three federal organizations under one minister ensures clear focus, strong partnerships and timely communication.
The Healthy and Safe Food for Canadians Framework illustrates how the Government is working to promote healthy and safe food choices to consumers, prevent food safety risks, and protect Canadians when unsafe products enter the marketplace.
Promotion.
Helping consumers make informed choices for healthy and safe food
Canada's Food Guide – Canada's Food Guide is the most trusted source of nutrition information in Canada. Available in 12 languages, the Guide translates the science of nutrition and health into practical healthy eating advice so families can make healthy choices at home, at the grocery store, and when eating out.
Safe food handling guidance – There are approximately 4 million cases of food-related illnesses in Canada every year. Many could be prevented by following four food handling practices – clean, separate, cook and chill.
