CHAT News File Photo

By Chris Brown

Meating demand

More meat inspectors will ensure consistent food supply

Apr 2, 2020 | 12:26 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Provincial and federal governments are partnering to keep Albertans and Canadians fed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Alberta government is working with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to increase food inspector capacity to ensure a consistent and safe supply of food products for Albertans and fellow Canadians.

“It is critical for Alberta families, our food supply and to our economy that the meat industry operates at its maximum capacity. We are working with the CFIA to integrate our provincial inspectors into federally licenced plants to help keep Albertans fed,” says Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Devin Dreeshen.

Training will begin shortly that will allow provincial meat inspectors into federally-licensed plants in Alberta to meet a rising demand for inspectors. Retired inspectors are also being brought back during this time.

“We must continue to provide high-quality food for Canadians, while ensuring we protect the health of our workers. By working together, our governments have ensured we have a COVID-19 contingency plan for inspection services,” says federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Marie-Claude Bibeau.

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The Canadian Food Inspection Agency regulates approximately 74 animal slaughter, meat processing and meat storage establishments in Alberta. These federally inspected plants are vital contributors to the food supply of Albertans and of Canadians.

Provincial and federal meat inspectors will share resources to ensure a consistent supply of safe food products for Albertans and Canadians.