"Canada has one of the best food safety systems in the world, with government and the food industry having primary responsibility to protect consumers. Education and outreach can make a great system even better, by helping people to understand the basics of food safety and the important role they play," said Dr Randall Huffman, chief food safety officer, Maple Leaf Foods.

Partnering
"Partnering with CPHA allows us to reach vulnerable groups and provide them with the information they need to handle, store and prepare foods safely for themselves and their families."

CPHA is working with Maple Leaf Foods to develop and implement a national education, primarily web-based campaign, targeted at higher risk Canadians.

"We are excited about collaborating with Maple Leaf Foods and bringing our expertise in the area of public health education to this important project," said Debra Lynkowski, chief executive officer, CPHA. "We will work closely with our extensive membership of public health practitioners who provide services to higher risk populations to get the message out about food safety."

Food safety education
"Food safety education represents an important part of our commitment to becoming a global food safety leader," continued Huffman. "This means assisting both higher risk Canadians and the general population obtain information so that they can make good decisions when handling and preparing food."

In August 2008 Listeria was found in products produced by Maple Leaf which resulted in a Listeriosis outbreak that claimed the lives of 23 Canadians. Since then, Maple Leaf has made significant improvements in all areas of food safety, including investing over $20 million to improve its food safety programme.

Related websites:
• Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA).
• Maple Leaf Foods