21 December 1998

Questions and Answers on CFIA and MAPAQ Food Inspection Agreement

Background

For several years now, the Québec Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), and before that the federal departments involved in food inspection, including Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Fisheries and Oceans, Health Canada and Industry Canada, have worked to harmonize services, increase food safety, and eliminate the overlap of federal and provincial government activities. Federal-provincial food inspection agreements are the result of several years of cooperation between the two parties in the progress toward a single contact point for services to the food industry.

What sectors are covered by these agreements?

The agreements cover dairy products, eggs and egg products, honey, maple products, and edible meats, as well as retail establishments (restaurants, supermarkets, grocery stores, etc.)

Who will inspect establishments?

The inspectors designated under the subsidiary agreement concerned will inspect establishments. For example, provincial inspectors will inspect establishments that are not federally registered and all retail and food service establishments. They will act with the cooperation of municipal authorities under agreement with MAPAQ.

Federal inspectors will inspect establishments involved in import, export and interprovincial trade.

For inspections, which acts will be enforced?

The inspectors responsible for the establishments will be delegated and assigned to enforce the acts and regulations administered by the CFIA and MAPAQ.

Will there be an impact on inspection activities in establishments?

The terms and conditions of the agreements will facilitate operations, since establishments will deal with one inspector instead of two.

What will be the impact on the quality of service provided in establishments?

The CFIA and MAPAQ will ensure that the services offered by their respective organizations are uniform, by providing the necessary training to MAPAQ inspectors so that they can enforce the Agency's acts and regulations. MAPAQ will also ensure that CFIA personnel have the necessary training to enforce MAPAQ's acts and regulations.

Will there be an impact on the quality and safety of food at the consumer level?

Consumers will benefit from effective food safety control thanks to the concept of a single contact point for services provided by MAPAQ and the CFIA in establishments.

How will these agreements be implemented?

A management committee has been established. In the coming months, the committee will clarify implementation details (such as inspector training).

When will these agreements be implemented?

Implementation will be phased in and should be completed by April 1, 1999.

Members with an interest in this matter should contact Mr. Gaétan Tessier, Manager responsible for Federal-Provincial Relations and the Industry, at 418-648-7373, or Mr. Michel Lemay, MAPAQ Director, Food Inspection Support, at 418-643-2500 or 1-800-463-5023.