You can help stop misleading and fraudulent labelling!
So, you find a product at the grocery store that you know is misleading or poses a food safety risk, and you want to help warn other consumer's, but what can you do about it? Is it possible for one consumer to make a difference?
Food companies are responsible for ensuring their products are safe, correctly labelled and in compliance with applicable regulations. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for verifying that the information displayed on labels is truthful and not misleading and takes enforcement action when products are non-compliant; but did you know that consumers can also play a role?
What you can do…
If you believe a product presents a health and safety risk (including misleading or fraudulent labelling), you can report the product/company to the CFIA.
How you can contact the CFIA...
- Email: cfiamaster@inspection.gc.ca
- Phone: 1-800-442-2342
- Use the Feedback Form on the CFIA Website
- By Fax/letter/in person at a local CFIA office
The information you will need to provide…
The CFIA will ask you to provide as many details as possible on the food in question, including;
- Brand name
- Universal Product Code (UPC)
- Lot code
- Best before date
- Date and place of purchase
What the CFIA will do…
The CFIA uses the information you provide to determine if the product poses a food safety risk and identifies if any follow up action is necessary. If the CFIA believes there is a food safety risk they conduct an investigation which will determine the method of enforcement they will use with the company. Not only will the CFIA potentially look into the issue you have identified, but it is my understanding, that they will also contact you when the investigation is complete to let you know what happened.
Do your part and help keep Canada's food supply safe!
For more information check out the CFIA's "A Consumer's Guide to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency", and "Report a Food Safety or Labelling Concern" webpages.
Note - If you become ill from consuming a food it is recommended that you consult your physician and inform the CFIA of your symptoms.
