Government Roles
and Responsibilities for Food Safety in Ontario
Provincial
There are three provincial ministries who are primarily responsible
for food safety:
Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)), as the lead ministry,
is responsible for dairy and meat inspection programs, key components
of the Ontario Food Safety System.
OMAFRA also administers and enforces a number of statutes established
to minimize food safety risks and promote the orderly marketing of
various commodities produced in Ontario. Standards may include the
production, quality, composition, safety, grading, packaging, labelling,
advertising and sale of a product, as well as facility and operating
standards for:
- dairy farms and dairy processing plants
- abattoirs, the slaughter of animals and primary processing of
meat
- horticulture, including fruits and vegetables and honey
- eggs and livestock
- edible oil products
Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC) is responsible for the protection
of public health and sets food safety standards and policies for food
premises. It has the power to condemn food. Its role in food safety
inspection is delegated to the 36 public health units (see Municipal
Government).
Natural Resources (MNR) is responsible for food safety for fish and
fish plant inspection for products harvested and offered for sale
in Ontario.
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