| Overview | Vision and mission | Happenings | Newsletters, educational pieces and related links | Contact information
Overview
Each and every day, government and industry work together to ensure that the food that Albertans raise, process, consume and export is safe. Food safety is the responsibility of everyone concerned – including producers, feed mills, veterinarians, food processors, transporters, retailers and food service providers.
Alberta has rigorous, science-based systems and processes in place to ensure our food safety:
- On-Farm Food Safety Programs ensure that potential hazards are addressed from the very beginning of production.
- Biosecurity practices are undertaken at every step to prevent the incidental spread of disease.
- The Alberta HACCP Advantage (AHA!) is a made-in-Alberta program that supports processors in implementing the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) program. HACCP is globally regarded as the best way to reduce potential hazards in food processing.
- Industry standards such as Good Manufacturing Processes (GMPs) and ISO Certification are used where applicable.
- Traceability initiatives track the history, location and quality of food from farm to fork.
- Appropriate legislation and regulations are developed and enforced.
The Food Safety Division (FSD) of Alberta Agriculture and Food was formed in March of 1999 to pro-actively address food safety and market access issues. The division is made up of the Office of the Chief Provincial Veterinarian, Agri-Food Laboratories Branch, and the Agri-Food Systems Branch.
FSD staff work together in the areas of food safety and animal health surveillance. They also work together in various scientific fields to enhance the safety of Alberta's food and increase consumer confidence. This also means working in partnership with industry and other public bodies. Food Safety Division staff also work cooperatively with staff from the Regulatory Services Division (RSD).
The FSD is commited to acheiving the goals of their vision and mission statements:
Vision - Proudly Working Together
The FSD is commited to the Alberta Public Service Vision and Values
Mission
To provide leadership and support for safe food production systems and global market access for Alberta’s agriculture and food industry through information, services and legislation.
Happenings
Click on the links to view ongoing activities in the FSD:
Alberta's Safe Produce Surveillance Project
Alberta Veterinary Surveillance Network (AVSN)
Alberta HACCP Advantage (AHA!)
Biosecurity
ISO Certification
On-Farm Food Safety Programs
Good Manufacturing Processes
Newsletters and Educational Pieces
Animal Health Forum
Food Safety News
Food News
Poultry Research Centre News
Business of Beef in the North
FSD Children's Activity Book
Food Safety Sentinel
Related Links
Cattle Reader Technology Enhances Traceability Initiative
Agri-News
Call of the Land
FSD Contact Information
Staff within the FSD are comprised of laboratory technicians, accreditated Veternarians, Epidemiologists, Pathologists, Toxicologists, technical support (programming, data management, etc.), administration officers, research officers, scientists, Chief and Assistant Chief Provincial Veternarians, and Food Safety Specialists. To reach any one of our expert and knowledgeable staff members, please contact the Office of the Director at the number below.
Office of the Director
Food Safety Division
9th Floor, O.S. Longman Building
6909-116 Street
Edmonton AB T6H 4P2
Ph : 780-427-6159
Fax : 780-427-1437
The Director's office is supported by Pat Diduck, Eileen Shewchuk and Louise Szaszvari. |