New food safety initiative launched in Manitoba

April 27, 2006
From a press release

WINNIPEG, Manitoba - The Government of Canada is providing $2.5 million to the Manitoba government over the next two years to further the implementation of food safety systems in its food processing sector.

The funding, under the Food Safety Initiative (FSI), was announced today by federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board Chuck Strahl and Manitoba Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Rosann Wowchuk.

"Canada is pleased to be a part of this joint initiative with Manitoba that will strengthen Canada's food safety system, boost the food processing sector and protect the health of our citizens," said Minister Strahl. "Currently, Manitoba's food processing sector is responsible for more than $3 billion worth of manufactured goods or approximately 25 percent of all manufactured goods in the province. This funding will ensure Manitoba remains to be a world leader in the production of safe, high-quality food."

Top Manitoba exports of processed, semi-processed and value-added agri-food products include wheat, flour, pork, canola, barley, mustard seed, oilseed, pulse crops, processed meat, frozen potato items, honey products and livestock.

"Food processing is one of the fastest growing segments of Manitoba's value-added agri-food industry," said Minister Wowchuck. "This funding will provide processors and entrepreneurs with the opportunity to increase food safety measures and take advantage of new food-related business ventures in today's rapidly expanding markets."

The FSI, one component of AAFC's Canadian Food Safety and Quality Program, is designed to help industry maintain its high standards in food safety and quality and currently centres on implementation and outreach.

Under the implementation element of the FSI, non-federally registered food processing plants can access financial assistance to implement food safety systems, such as HACCP, in their operations. Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) is an internationally recognized, science-based approach that works to ensure food safety by anticipating and preventing problems during the production of food products. Federal funding will also be available to support processors to implement some alternative food safety standards, such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and ISO 22000 systems. Processors will be eligible to receive funding equivalent to 90 percent of eligible costs for the development and implementation of HACCP-based systems and/or ISO 22000 to a maximum of $20,000, or GMPs to a maximum of $15,000.

The outreach element is aimed at raising awareness of food safety issues in the food processing industry through various learning activities and pilot projects.

The FSI is funded under the Agriculture Policy Framework, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative that aims to position Canada as the world leader in food safety, innovation and environmentally responsible agricultural production.