Which organization is responsible for enforcing food safety at the federal level in Canada?

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is the organization responsible for enforcing food safety at the federal level in Canada. CFIA's mandate includes safeguarding food supply and enforcing various laws related to food safety, nutrition labeling, and animal health. It plays a critical role in monitoring and inspecting food products, ensuring that they meet safety standards before they reach consumers. This encompasses a wide range of activities, including food recalls, inspector training, and conducting risk assessments to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Health Canada focuses more on establishing health policies, setting guidelines, and health risk assessments rather than direct enforcement of food safety regulations. The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs primarily deals with provincial matters regarding agriculture and food safety, which may complement federal initiatives but does not operate on a national level. The Public Health Agency of Canada mainly focuses on public health issues and health promotion rather than directly enforcing food safety regulations. Thus, the CFIA is clearly identified as the pivotal federal agency overseeing food safety in Canada.