MPs can vote for food safety even during prorogation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ottawa – On behalf of the 11 to 13 million Canadians who are sickened every year by the food they eat, the food inspectors union delivered an electronic “sandwich” to every MP today which contains critical information about the risks Canadians face by eating everyday items like lettuce, tomatoes, crackers and cold cuts.

“MPs need to know that food contamination has never been so widespread. At the same time, our ability to inspect and oversee food imports and domestic production is strained to the breaking point,” says Bob Kingston, President of the Agriculture Union – PSAC, which represents federal food inspectors.

The “sandwich” highlights the potential hazards and health effects associated with everyday food items typically found in a child’s lunch bag.  Hazards like bacteria, parasites and viruses that can make a person very sick.

Along with the electronic sandwich, the food inspectors union has invited all MPs to vote for a food safety plan which calls for the Prime Minister to take these actions in the upcoming federal budget:

  • Double the number of Canadian Food Inspection Agency food inspectors in the upcoming budget.
  • Place an immediate moratorium on industry self-policing policies that have given food companies too much control when it comes to food safety.
  • Restore the system of public audit reports which were canceled under pressure from the meat industry to ensure consumers have the information they need to make informed choices.

MPs can register their support for an action plan to protect Canadians from unsafe food at www.foodsafetyfirst.ca/vote4foodsafety.

“Canada imports food from all around the world.  In addition, hundreds of food factories and thousands of farms in Canada produce everything from cold cuts to salad, and dairy products to fish.  With the inspection resources currently available these demands are far too overwhelming to ensure the food we eat is safe,” Kingston said.

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For information: Jim Thompson 613-447-9592
To view the sandwich go to www.foodsafetyfirst.ca/take-action