CFIA study shows most food complied with chemical residue and metals limits Thursday, November 1, 2012 by SUSAN MANNMore than 98 per cent of food samples tested by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency as part of its annual monitoring program complied with Health Canada standards for chemical residues and metals, according to an agency study released Tuesday.And that’s very good news, says Art Smith, CEO of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association.The CFIA study, part of the National Chemical Residue Monitoring program, was done in 2009/10 and included 160,000 tests done on more than 20,000 samples that produced in excess of three million results, CFIA says in a news release. The tests were done on both domestic and imported foods, including dairy, eggs, honey, meat, poultry, fresh and processed fruits and vegetables and maple products.“This and other CFIA studies are part of an ongoing testing regime to help keep the food safety system strong for Canadian families,” the release says.The study tests animal and plant foods for multiple hazards, including residues of pesticides and veterinary drugs and environmental contaminants.CFIA says the amount of chemical residues detected would not pose a health concern to Canadians. Smith says that’s also great news. “It just shows that farmers are sticking with the regulations, both on the imported and domestic side,” he notes.Information obtained through this program allows the CFIA to identify violations and trends, gauge the effectiveness of policies and programs, plus develop strategic plans to minimize potential health risks for Canadians.CFIA says the consistently high compliance rates across all domestic and imported commodities tested in the 2009/10 chemical residue-monitoring program are similar to previous years’ results. BF Nominations sought for ag awards Food processing survey explores government red tape
New CEO for Livestock Research Innovation Corporation Friday, September 13, 2024 Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) is promoting from within with the appointment of the organization’s newest Chief Executive Officer. Industry Services Manager Kelly Somerville has been tapped to assume the role as of September 3, replacing retiring CEO Mike McMorris.... Read this article online
Milwaukee Extended Anvil High Torque Impact Wrench Thursday, September 12, 2024 Measuring torque is a common on-farm task it can sometimes be a challenge to accomplish this for multiple and varied pieces of equipment, that where Milwaukee’s M18 FUEL™ 1" D-Handle Ext. Anvil High Torque Impact Wrench w/ ONE-KEY™ can provide value. Cordless tools create convenience,... Read this article online
Ontario and Feds look to strengthen the provincial agri-food sector Monday, September 9, 2024 The governments of Canada and Ontario have announced they will be investing an additional $3.5 million in the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative (OAFRI) to support the development and adoption of new technologies for farmers, food processors, and agribusinesses that will enhance... Read this article online
The Great Ontario Yield Tour predicts a record-breaking soybean crop Friday, September 6, 2024 The Great Ontario Yield Tour is predicting the 2024 Ontario soybean yield will be 54.12 bu/ac—a NEW RECORD high surpassing the previous record of 53 bu/ac set last year. If the prediction is correct, it will be the best soybean crop ever produced in Ontario!... Read this article online
IPM needs volunteers Thursday, September 5, 2024 The International Plowing Match & Rural Expo 2024 (IPM) could use a helping hand for volunteers. The IPM is being held this year in Lindsay, Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, between October 1 and 5, 2024. While we are aware that the majority of the popular event is being held during... Read this article online