AGRI Committee Report

The agri-food sector has evolved dramatically during the last few decades. Food supply chains are more complex, and a single food processing establishment can ship products nationally and internationally, reaching millions of consumers. As a result, foodborne illness outbreaks that were traditionally local and restricted geographically can now be nationwide and extend beyond borders. The summer 2008 listeriosis crisis that cost the lives of 22 Canadians is an example of the increased complexity of food safety issues. The two production lines that were contaminated at the Maple Leaf Foods facility in Toronto made products that were marketed across Canada under more than 200 brand names and labels.

On 12 February 2009, the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food adopted the following motion:

That, given the Listeriosis crisis that occurred last summer, the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food establish a Subcommittee on Food Safety; and that the members of the Subcommittee be named after the usual consultations with the Whips; the composition of the SubCommittee be proportionally the same as that of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food with the Chair being a member of the government, and that the Subcommittee be granted all of the powers of the Committee pursuant to Standing Order 108(1) except the power to report directly to the House.

Canada’s food safety system ranks among the best in the world and is highly regarded by our trading partners. Some feel, however, that the listeriosis crisis of summer 2008 cast a shadow on its reputation and has motivated members to find ways to improve the food safety system with a view to preventing another tragedy. The Subcommittee on Food Safety held public hearings between April and June 2009 on a number of issues related to food safety, and this report presents its findings. First, the question of responsibility, including that of the Minister, for the food safety system is addressed. Next, a section is dedicated to the events of summer 2008, since the listeriosis crisis was the catalyst for the study. The final section provides information on, and recommendations for, improvement of the Canadian food safety system.