Inspect and Protect

Frozen breaded chicken products, like chicken nuggets and fingers, are commonly found in Canadian households. They're quick, easy, and loved by kids and adults alike. But behind these convenient foods is a story of science and safety.

Canada's agriculture and agri-food system employs about 2.3 million people and generates over $150 billion of Canada's gross domestic product (GDP). It is a complex system that is safeguarded by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) employees and is known as one of the best food safety systems in the world.

When it comes to pin-pointing sources of foodborne illness, tracking detections of a new invasive plant pest, or studying the spread of an animal disease, geographic data is a powerful tool that helps the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) respond effectively to challenges and emergencies.

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?

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.

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.

We all know that fresh fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy, balanced diet. These crops are also used to make foods like juices, cereals and pasta, and feed the animals that add eggs, meat and dairy to our diets.