| | About us - the FSAHD | Vision and mission | Happenings | Newsletters, educational pieces and related links | Who and where we are
About Us - the FSAHD
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 and Animal Health Division (FSAHD) of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development 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, Animal Health Branch, Agri-Food Laboratories Branch, Safe Food Branch, Divisional Services Section, and Meat Inspection Branch.
FSAHD staff work together in the areas of food safety systems, food safety policy, livestock health surveillance, livestock welfare, biosecurity, and meat inspection. 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 and Animal Health Division staff also work cooperatively with staff from the Regulatory Services Division (RSD).
The FSAHD is committed to achieving the goals of their vision and mission statements:
Vision
Alberta is recognized as a world leader in the production of safe food and agriculture products.
The FSAHD is also committed to the Alberta Public Service Vision and Values of Respect, Accountability, Integrity and Excellence.
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 some key activities in the FSAHD:
**NEW** Growing Forward 2 Funding Programs
A Training Needs Assessment of Alberta Processors - focus group executive summary
Alberta Mandatory Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Program
Enhanced Scrapie Surveillance
Alberta Veterinary Surveillance Network (AVSN)
Alberta HACCP Advantage (AHA!)
Biosecurity
ISO Certification
Newsletters, Educational Pieces and Related Links
Animal Health Forum
Food News
FSD Children's Activity Book
Agri-News
Call of the Land
Who and Where We Are
Staff within the FSAHD are comprised of laboratory technicians, accredited veterinarians, epidemiologists, pathologists, toxicologists, technical support (programming, data management, etc.), administration officers, research officers, scientists, chief and deputy chief provincial veterinarians, food safety specialists, livestock welfare specialists and meat inspectors. Offices are located in Fairview, Edmonton, Lacombe, Red Deer, Airdrie and Lethbridge. 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 and Animal Health 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 and Louise Szaszvari. |
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