OTTAWA, Sept. 15, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada congratulates CanadaGAP for having successfully completed the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Food Safety Recognition Program (FSRP).
The FSRP provides federal recognition of on-farm and post-farm food safety systems developed and implemented by national industry organizations to enhance food safety, maintain the confidence of Canadian consumers, and facilitate market access.
CanadaGAP is a food safety program for companies that produce, handle and broker fruits and vegetables. It promotes Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and is designed to help implement and maintain effective food safety procedures within fresh produce operations.
Qualification for the FSRP is assessed through an extremely thorough review process. CanadaGAP is the third organization to qualify under the program, after the Dairy Farmers of Canada in 2016 and the Chicken Farmers of Canada in 2013.
Through programs like the FSRP, the CFIA and the Government of Canada are working closely with industry partners to enhance food safety for Canadian families from farm to fork.
Quick Facts
- The FSRP is a collaborative effort funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada under the Growing Forward 2 initiative. The CFIA leads the program, with participation from industry, as well as provincial and territorial governments, and other federal departments.
- The FSRP is actively working in collaboration with 17 national industry organizations in developing or implementing their food safety programs.
- Recognition under the FSRP acknowledges that a food safety program has been developed in line with a systematic and preventive approach to food safety based on internationally accepted standards; that the program conforms to federal, provincial and territorial legislation, policy and protocols; and that a food safety management system has been implemented effectively.
Quotes
"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to congratulate CanadaGAP for successfully completing the Food Safety Recognition Program. This is another example of how working closely with industry helps develop and implement government-recognized food safety management systems at the farm level. It is a positive step in helping to build consumer trust in Canada's food safety system."
- Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
"I am very pleased to recognize CanadaGAP's accomplishment during the CFIA's 20th anniversary – representing 20 years of innovation and excellence. The CFIA greatly values its partners. Food safety is a shared responsibility – shared with governments, shared with consumers, and shared with industry. We all have a role to play."
- Paul Glover, President, Canadian Food Inspection Agency
"This achievement has been years in the making, and we are proud to receive recognition. We congratulate our dedicated and hard-working staff on reaching this important milestone, and we thank government representatives for their commitment to this process."
- Jack Bates, Chair of the Board of Directors
Associated Links
- CanadaGAP Program Receives Full Government Recognition
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
- Growing Forward 2
SOURCE Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
Media Relations, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 613-773-6600
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