Many of us are foodies and have been accustomed to having our favorite foods always available in stores. Grocers obtain a variety of foreign products, from fruits and vegetables to spices and cereals, to keep shelves supplied with our favorite foods.
Canadians are able to enjoy such a vast array of foods all year round because of food importers. Thousands of metric tonnes of food and drink arrive in Canada via air, land, and sea every day.
So how can we be certain that these goods are secure? How does one go about bringing food into Canada? Here’s a brief overview of the import procedure from Canada.
Whether it is imported or domestic, all food sold in Canada must to be safe to eat and compliant with Canadian Food Inspection Agency standards. The rules, which address everything from labelling and packaging to manufacture and processing, are intended to guarantee that imported foods satisfy Canadian safety requirements before they are even placed on store shelves.
Food importers must have policies and processes in place to reduce any health hazards at every stage of the importation process. These precautions lessen the likelihood of food-related disease, even though it is impossible to completely remove all risks.
A license for food safety is needed for importers to bring food into Canada. Shipments will not be allowed entry if the license is not valid. In order for contaminated food to be promptly removed from the market and tracked down throughout the supply chain, they must also have written preventative control plans, a recall and complaint procedure, and comprehensive records maintained.
Our food supply is safeguarded by these laws. However, what can you do as a savvy consumer to ensure the items you’re purchasing are safe to consume? A few essential items to look for are:
- Food labels: Labels can help you make better decisions about the food you buy. Reliance on broad product and health claims is not advised. Look for important information such as the Nutrition Facts Table, an ingredients list, and allergies statements while learning how to interpret and read product labels.
- Packaging: Make sure the package is intact and in good shape, just like you would with any food. Do not hesitate to pass on anything and choose something else if it appears strange or has been messed with.
- Proper storage and handling: Make sure the food you purchase is handled and kept correctly. Perishable goods, for example, need to be stored at the proper temperature or refrigerated.
- Buy from reputable sources: Buy food from reliable suppliers or merchants. Strict safety regulations must be followed by brands and stores.
Learn more about food safety at https://newscanada.com/en/Is-your-food-safe–What-you-need-to-know-138368
Reference: https://newscanada.com/
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