Baseline studies are needed to measure the occurrence of indicator and pathogenic organisms in our raw materials and finished products. This will help evaluate our food-chain food safety systems, including traceability.
Summaries of epidemiological data--type of pathogen, number of cases, where outbreaks occur, and commodity type--following the model of Dr. Ewen Todd, formerly of Health Canada, are needed. Unfortunately Dr. Todd's program was never carried on after he left for work in the United States. This will help us evaluate how our programs are working to combat food-borne disease and allow continuous improvement in an already well-designed program.
Better coordination and cooperation in food safety activities among the various jurisdictions are needed.
Finally, bigger is not necessarily better. Smaller plants often do a better job than larger plants in both producing quality products and food safety. We need a system to support a range of types and sizes of meat processing plants. Discussions should continue with the federal-provincial-territorial committee on developing an outcome-based meat safety system, with recognition of provincial programs like Ontario's HACCP advantage program.
Food safety is a journey; it is not a destination.
Thank you.