OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 11/06/12 -- The Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food has completed its review of the Safe Food for Canadians Act and has now referred it back to the House of Commons for Report Stage and Third reading. This brings the Government one step closer to strengthening and modernizing Canada's food safety system to make sure it continues to provide safe food for consumers.

"This important Act will provide new authorities to address food safety risks and will build additional safety into the system, from processor to importer to consumer," said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.

The Act, which consolidates the authorities of multiple food statutes, specifically allows for:

--  tougher penalties for activities that put the health and safety of
    Canadians at risk; 
    
--  a more consistent inspection regime across all food commodities; 
    
--  better control over imports and exports; and 
    
--  strengthened food traceability. 

"Consolidating authorities into one Act will make inspection and enforcement powers consistent across all food commodities, enabling inspectors to be more efficient, and allowing the CFIA to focus on higher risk areas," said Minister Ritz. "As a result, Canadian consumers will enjoy a safer food supply."

For more information on the Safe Food for Canadians Act, please visit www.inspection.gc.ca or contact the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342.