Inspect and Protect

No matter the season, you can always do your part to prevent the spread of invasive species. This fall, learn to recognize and report these pests and protect the health of our plants and trees so you can enjoy your favourite autumn activities—whether camping, hiking, cycling, or spending time outdoors—for many years to come.

In late August 2022, Ontario public health authorities notified the Public Health Agency of Canada of 12 cases of an unknown foodborne illness in York, Ontario. Early observations from local public health authorities identified symptoms consistent with aconitine poisoning.

Potato wart is a disease of potatoes caused by the fungus Synchytrium endobioticum – a particularly hardy and persistent pest. While potato wart does not pose a risk to human or animal health, the disease can deform potato tubers, making them unmarketable, and reduce crop yields.

Could you identify a plant seed out of hundreds of thousands of species, or tell the difference between the seed of a crop and an invasive species?

Over time, plants can become hosts to many viruses that cause serious plant diseases. That is why it is important to rapidly detect new viruses before they can become a threat to our food production. Thanks to the work of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) researchers, in collaboration with scientists from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), a small but "busy" ally has been identified to help collect field samples.

In the summer of 2023, the CFIA created the Indigenous Science Office. This new office within Science Branch aims to coordinate and support efforts to strengthen the inclusion and recognition of Indigenous science perspectives, values and practices at the CFIA.

Happy 15th anniversary to Canada's Organic Regime! When you see the Canada organic logo on food, you can trust it meets Canada's strict certification standards.

I can’t think of a time when I didn’t want to be a veterinarian. After 20 years in private practice, here’s how I’m helping to protect your health while paving the way for the next generation of veterinarians and inspectors.

Best-before dates get a lot of attention these days, including being subject to misinformation (spoiler alert: they are about freshness, not safety, and are not being eliminated). So what's the real tea on best before dates?