The Food Safety Network (FSN) provides services that focus on informing the public about current and emerging food related risks and benefits. FSN also provides research services through the Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety (CRIFS).

Located on the University of Guelph campus in south-western Ontario, FSN has developed a unique food-safety information database and has access to several up-to-date electronic sources on Canadian food regulations, and on national and international food safety research.

FSN uses an extensive range of credible and reputable sources for food safety information including:

·         Federal and provincial regulatory agencies

·         International organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)

·         Peer-reviewed scientific journals and publications

·         Recognized experts and other respected organizations

As a central access point for national and international food safety related information, FSN is proud to offer the following services to its clients:

·         Information and Communication Services

·         Research Service Contracts.

Information and Communication Services

FSN provides comprehensive information on food safety across Canada and the world through the following methods:

Telephone

In 2002, the Food Safety Network started a bilingual toll-free information phone line; since then, the FSN information team has answered thousands of questions about food safety and food related issues, using strict communication standards and procedures. With expertise in food safety, food science, agriculture and home economics, plus access to a variety of published and direct sources, FSN shares current, evidence-based information on food safety.

FSN is the referral source for information providers in many fields, including food production, handling and distribution, agri-food, health care and food inspection.

People can call our qualified professionals using our toll-free information line at 1-866-503-7638 or can call directly at 519-824-4120, extension 52087 (long distance charges may apply).

Internet Resources

FSN offers current and evidence-based food safety information through the following Internet options:

·          E-mail – Anyone can forward food safety questions by e-mail to fsnrsn@uoguelph.ca

·          Web site – FSN website offers easy access for Canadians and international web users to the following online resources:

o        Resource sheets, technical summaries, food info (commodities), reports, bibliographies and fact sheets on current and emerging food safety issues;

o        An online library listing reference materials and documents;

o        A database of frequently asked questions (FAQs)

o        Pertinent news and features such as seminars and conferences on food safety.

Research Service Contracts

With our team of trained food safety experts and our extensive access to various public and private information sources, FSN is well-positioned to collaborate with private, public and non-profit organizations in conducting confidential fee-for-service information research on food safety issues.

Our team has been trained to gather a comprehensive compilation of food and food safety information and then perform the following research tasks with the information:

·         Validate for accuracy

·         Analyze and evaluate

·         Prepare summaries of analyses and reviews

·         Provide conclusions and recommendations.

Types of research projects include:

·         Literature reviews

·         Policy and regulation evaluations and summaries

·         Communication strategies

·         Opinions and advice on food safety issues

For information on collaboration or fee-for-service research opportunities, please contact FSN's Interim Director, Brita Ball, at bball@uoguelph.ca. 

The Canadian Research Instititute for Food Safety (CRIFS) is available to conduct research in food microbiology, food chemistry and food safety analyses under contract with businesses or agencies. For more information about these services, please contact Dr. Mansel Griffith, Director, CRIFS, at mgriffit@uoguelph.ca.

FSN is proud to share comprehensive food safety information and research services with consumers and professionals across Canada and the international community. It is important to maintain objectivity and, therefore, FSN provides information to assist you in your decision-making and actions.