Canada strengthens food packing sector

The government of Canada is helping the packaging industry strengthen its food safety systems across the country.

Member of Parliament Bob Dechert (Mississauga-Erindale) announced an investment of US$569,000 for the Packaging Association of Canada late last week, on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, as the association held their Packaging Food Safety Summit.

"Canadian families can be confident in food produced by farmers. We're investing in the safety of the entire value chain by supporting the packaging industry as they deliver these safe, high quality foods to our grocery cart," said MP Dechert.

The Packaging Association of Canada will use this investment to further develop their PACsecure food safety programme, which outlines food safety standards for the packaging industry.

The funding will be used to create additional on-line training programmes and materials, further develop the audit process, and conduct recall and traceability field tests and workshops.

Additionally, the association will continue to promote PACsecure to the packaging industry through tradeshows and speaking engagements.