|Description | Grading and Packing Manuals | Legislation | Grades and Labelling |
| Issue Contacts | Program Contacts | Additional Information |

Description

Under the Food Safety Monitoring (FSM) Program, program staff collects samples of Ontario fruit and vegetables and processed fruit and vegetable products throughout the year. To verify compliance with Health Canada standards, samples are submitted to an accredited laboratory for foodborne pathogen, chemical residue and other contaminant testing. Microbial non-compliance is reported to the producer, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care (MOHLTC) and the local health unit where the sample was collected. Follow up may include a resample, educational material and/or an advisory visit by an OMAFRA Risk Management Specialist and/or other government agency staff. If warranted, product detention or recall may result from the findings. Chemical non-compliance of Ontario produce is reported to the producer and followed up by Ministry staff.

Program staff prepare and disseminate educational material for fruit and vegetable products regarding requirements legislated by Regulation 378 of the Farm Products Grades and Sales Act. This regulation includes packaging, labeling and quality standards as well as requirements for signs and advertisements at the retail level. Program staff may investigate and/or assist in the resolution of disputes which may arise regarding quality, labelling or food safety issues. When necessary, compliance and enforcement action may be taken.

The program has also developed educational material including a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Guidebook and periodically sponsors educational workshops for the industry.

Grading and Packing Manuals

The Grading and Packing Manuals contain a summary of the regulations that apply to the grading, packing and marking of specific commodities in Ontario. These manuals are supplied by the Food Inspection Branch to assist in the marketing of the particular commodity.

The manuals are prepared for convenience only. For complete information, please refer to the official volumes of the Farm Products Grades and Sales Act.

The Fruit and Vegetables Inspection Program is responsible for enforcement of Regulation 378 of the Farm Products Grades and Sales Act

Grades and Labelling Charts

This grades and labelling chart outlines the mandatory and optional Ontario Marking Requirements for Fresh Fruit and Vegetables at Retail.

Commodity and Issue Contacts 

If you have an issue or question regarding the Farm Products Grades and Sales Act for a particular commodity or a legislative matter, then visit this page for a list staff members who can respond to your questions.

Program Contacts 

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Paul Bailey
Risk Identification and Management Coordinator
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Food Inspection Branch
1 Stone Road West, 5th Floor North West
Guelph, ON
N1G 4Y2
Tel: 1-888-466-2372, ext 64380 (Ontario only)
or (519) 826-4380
Fax: (519) 826-4375
Email: paul.bailey1@ontario.ca

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Additional Information: 

For further Fruit and Vegetable information available on either the ministry's website or the Internet (see disclaimer), just click on any of the following links.