Overview

Overview

Ontario farmers set high quality standards for the produce sold from their farms. Farmers know it is important to maintain food safety and traceability at all levels of production, processing and distribution. As Ontarians increasingly demand local food, regulations need to be updated to enable customers to make informed and accurate choices.

Canadian farmers have earned an international reputation for the high quality and safety of the food they produce. Canada’s system is based on the internationally recognized Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) program. HACCP is a systematic proactive approach to food safety used throughout the food system, giving food for the export market a quality standard recognized around the world.

OFA Position

OFA believes that Ontario should maintain a food safety and traceability system that ensures that foods produced by Ontario farmers remain safe throughout the value chain.

OFA believes that additional funding may be needed to ensure the safety of Ontario’s food supply, and we expect the provincial government to respond to needs as they are identified.

OFA believes more should be done to promote consumer awareness of the high food safety and traceability standards of Ontario’s farmers.