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Compliance and Enforcement Activities

Author: Food Safety and Environment Division/OMAFRA
Creation Date: 17 February 2002
Last Reviewed: 10 October 2006

How does it work?
In Ontario, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) shares responsibilities for enforcement and compliance of its regulations with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). The legislation is administered by OMAFRA and enforced by MNR through a team of expert compliance officers and investigators. To ensure successful enforcement, sharp distinctions are drawn between inspectors who monitor for compliance, and investigators who gather evidence for prosecution.
Why did OMAF enter into a partnership with MNR?

The partnership between MNR and OMAFRA, put in place in April 2000, helps ensure successful enforcement of OMAFRA's food safety legislation. In addition, this partnership has improved the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery through:

  • improved system of investigative training for staff;
  • enhanced coordination;
  • an expanded network of investigator back-up and support; and
  • a more flexible delivery system for strategic investigations.

There has been a significant increase in charges, convictions and fines since the partnership was initiated in 2000.

Enforcement and Compliance Statistics
Fiscal Year
(April 1 - March 31)
Number of
Charges
Number of Convictions
2000/2001
75
28
2001/2002
72
28
2002/2003
102
60
2003/2004
54
31
2004/2005
114
67
2005/2006
31
28
Total Charges
448
242


Total Charges by Act
2000/2001
2001/2002
2002/2003
2003/2004
2004/2005
2005/2006
Meat Inspection Act
69
57
81
5
87
6
Food Safety and Quality Act, 2001
--
--
--
--
--
13
Livestock and Livestock
Products Act
2
1
2
0
6
0
Dead Animal
Disposal Act
3
9
13
4
7
7
Milk Act
1
1
0
0
6
0
OTHER
0
4
6
0
7
5
Total/Fiscal
75
72
102
9
113
31

 

Total Convictions by Act
2000/2001
2001/2002
2002/2003
2003/2004
2004/2005
2006/2006
Meat Inspection Act
23
21
41
3
51
5
Food Safety and Quality Act, 2001
--
--
--
--
--
12
Livestock and Livestock
Products Act
1
1
2
0
5
0
Dead Animal
Disposal Act
3
3
13
4
3
6
Milk Act
1
1
0
0
6
0
OTHER
0
2
4
0
1
5
Total/Fiscal
28
28
60
7
66
28

 

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For more information:
E-mail: food.omafra@ontario.ca