CFIA at 25 remains unique in the world and at the top of its game

Twenty-five years ago, by a law of Parliament, The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) was created to integrate all federal mandatory food inspections and animal and plant health activities into one organization.

By doing so, Canada has provided a single point of contact for both the consumer and the food industry: and it is unique in the world for food security with a single regulatory body. Some of the numbers CFIA marketed in 25 include:

• With more than 6,000 employees and 13 laboratories across Canada, CFIA is Canada’s largest science-based regulatory body.
• In 2020-2021, CFIA supported the following activities with staff and laboratories across Canada:
  • 1.1 million inspections completed for plant, food, and animal products;
  • $ 74 billion in agricultural exports;
  • 223 Food withdrawal warnings and allergy warnings; And
  • 8,082 Electronic Export Certificates have been issued.

“This year, CFIA is celebrating 25 years of scientific, inspection, applied innovation, operational and regulatory excellence,” said CFIA President Siddika Mithani. “Protecting food and protecting plant and animal health and supporting market access is an important order for all of us here at CFIA and Canadians.”

The Honorable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health of Canada, said: “I would like to acknowledge the thousands of CFIA staff who have achieved significant milestones in protecting and securing our food supply over the last quarter of a century. Thanks to their efforts, the food we eat in Canada is one of the safest in the world. As we recover from the challenges of the COVID-19 epidemic and respond to ongoing economic, environmental and global changes, the CFIA will remain there as a trusted science-based regulator for Canadians. “

The Honorable Mary-Claude Vievo, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, further commented: “Canada enjoys an excellent international reputation as a high-quality supplier of production methods that meet the highest standards and with scientific rigor that form the basis of its trade.” . “

“The CFIA helps maintain this reputation, which makes it easier for all Canadian agro-food producers and processors to export,” he added. “On the 25th anniversary of the agency, I would like to thank all the employees who work every day to ensure our food security and enable our agro-food industry to be an important economic driver.”

On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Canada’s food security, Canada noted that it remains the sole authority worldwide to bring all food regulations under one roof. And CFIA is not just about food.

It says safe food starts with healthy plants and animals. This is why the CFIA also works to prevent the spread of invasive plant, plant pests and animal diseases.

It adds that CFIA’s work touches all Canadians, including a potato farmer who wants to sell products in Canada and abroad, seed producers who want to develop new ways of breeding plants, a cattle breeder, an individual transporting cattle in their trucks. , A grocery store consumer, a gardener, or a traveler to Canada.

The CFIA says it is run by its people – including inspectors, veterinarians and scientists – who work tirelessly to ensure that Canadians keep their plate food safe, protect Canada’s plant and animal resources base from diseases and pests, and facilitate trade. And conducts market access for Canadian-made products, and conducts innovative research.

Visit. Protect. Connect. Everyone in Canada is invited to learn more about the CFIA’s role in celebrating its 25th anniversary, the diverse workforce, and the steps we can take to help protect our precious food, plant and animal resources.

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