Canada to kill policing of food label accuracy

As a result of the federal budget, the CFIA will lose tens of millions of dollars and many food safety professionals. The exact number will be revealed in the days ahead.

For citizens this spells trouble. With fewer independent food safety professionals working in the public interest, industry self-policing will increase and consumers will be left to fend for themselves.

A perfect example of this is the government’s proposal to kill policing of food label accuracy.

As unbelievable as it seems, the government is proposing that citizens take on the job of ensuring the accuracy of product labels. Last week’s budget includes this incredible statement:

“The CFIA will introduce a web-based label verification tool that encourages consumers to bring validated concerns directly to companies and associations for resolution."

For those allergic to nuts, an inaccurate label could hide a toxic and life threatening product. It’s a matter of health and safety for diabetics who must have accurate information about sugar content in the products they eat. People with heart disease rely on accurate statements about fat content in the products they buy.

We’ve got to stop this insane proposal in its tracks. Please send a message to Harper right now.

If the Harper government gets its way, citizens – not food inspectors - will be responsible for monitoring the accuracy of labels on food products and restaurant menus. After somehow validating a concern, it will then be up to individual citizens to persuade giant global food companies to change their naughty ways.

It’s ridiculous and must be stopped.

Companies routinely stretch the truth in their product advertising and labels.

Don’t let the government walk away from its responsibilities like this. Let’s stand up and say NO! We can stop this.

Yours sincerely,

Bob Kingston
FoodSafetyFirst.ca