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There are numerous foreign substances that can contaminate food, rendering it unfit for human consumption; they are grouped into physical and chemical contaminants.
Physical contaminants can include metal residues, insect or animal parts or other foreign material not normally present in the food. Physical contamination is usually unintentional.
Chemical contaminants can become incorporated into food through a variety of sources including: environmental residues such as pesticides or other chemicals present during harvest; deliberate use of chemicals and other substances that are illegal in the country where the food is to be consumed; leaching of chemicals from processing equipment or storage vessels; and the formation of chemicals during processing. Health Canada's Food Directorate is responsible for assessing the risk to human health from exposure to foodborne chemical contaminants. A list of Canadian standards (maximum levels) for various chemicals in specified retail foods can be obtained at: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/securit/chem-chim/contaminants-guidelines-directives-eng.php
The Food and Drugs Act prohibits the sale of a food that:
- contains a poisonous or harmful substance;
- is unfit for human consumption;
- consists of any filthy, putrid, disgusting, rotten, decomposed or diseased animal or vegetable substance;
- is adulterated; or,
- was manufactured, prepared, preserved, packaged or stored under unsanitary conditions.
Navigating Contaminants:
- Resource sheets contain website links related to each topic/issue. They will help direct and enhance your search by providing reputable and relevant links.
- Fact sheets contain balanced, evidence-based information aimed at a general audience. Food and health professionals will also find this information useful when working with consumers/clients.
- Frequently asked questions provide brief or long answers to a variety of questions.
- Technical summaries provide a more detailed and scientific description on the chosen topic, geared towards industry professionals and other industry parties. It also includes current regulations, and the latest breakthroughs and perspectives.
News (View All)
President's Choice garlic bread may contain metal
May.2010
Nescafé Espresso instant coffee may contain glass
May.2010
Product Tampering at Calgary Co-op Oakridge Centre
Jan.2010
Heinz baby cereal may contain excessive Ochratoxin
Dec.2009
Resource Sheets (View All)
Pesticides
Fact Sheets (View All)
Acrylamide
Bisphenol A (BPA)
Chagas Disease
Fish Toxins
Technical Summaries (View All)
GFSSS 2009-2010: Mycotoxin control in foods
2009 Food Safety Research Forum Presentations
Ochratoxin A (OCA)
Bisphenol A (BPA)
Links (View All)
Canadian Food Inspection Agency - Food Tampering Consumer Information
Canadian Food Inspection Agency - Plant Pest Information
Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education
Institite for Food Science and Technology
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