OTTAWA — The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), in an effort to improve transparency and accountability, began publicly releasing information regarding its compliance and enforcement activities regarding food safety on March 16. The information being made available to the public includes food imports that have been refused entry into Canada; federally registered plants whose licenses have been suspended, cancelled or reinstated; and notices of violations with warnings and penalties.

“Food safety is a top priority of the government of Canada and we are listening to Canadians,” said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “We know consumers want more information and we are delivering that transparency around what we are doing to protect Canadian families. This will give our inspectors another tool in the toolbox to shine the light of transparency on repeat offenders and companies that try and import unsafe food.”