Food Inspection Statistics Released

Food inspection statistics in Nova Scotia show an improvement in food safety compared to last year.

The information is available in the 2002 Activity and Inspection Summary Report compiled by the food safety section of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

"Public accountability for safe food is very important. The food safety staff have been working diligently on many fronts protecting the Nova Scotia food supply through education, inspection and enforcement," said Gordon Balser, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. "We are committed to protecting the health of all Nova Scotians through our programs."

Last year 29 food safety staff were involved with providing education, inspection, licensing and enforcement in dairy production and processing, meat production and processing, restaurants, grocery stores, day cares, schools, hospitals and nursing homes.

In 2002 the food safety section licensed 5,332 food facilities and provided 9,716 inspections. Food safety specialists also investigated 386 consumer complaints, down from 432 the previous year.

The improvements are the result of several factors.

"The increased public expectation for food safety, the increased industry awareness of the benefits of food safety and the education campaigns aimed at consumers are driving these improvements," said Mike Horwich, provincial manager of food safety.

Inspectors with Agriculture and Fisheries note a high degree of regulatory compliance within restaurants and grocery stores. However, inspection staff did identify the most common infractions were: unrefrigerated food; cross contaminations; improper dishwashing; insufficient cleaning and hand-washing issues.

Statistics also showed that on 71 occasions food was destroyed. This was required because the food was from an uninspected source, due to a power failure, contaminated packaging or containers, or because it was perishable food that was left out at room temperature. Five facilities were closed last year due to either food- or water-quality issues, down from nine last year.

Mr. Balser said that successful food safety programs also depend upon the involvement of volunteer groups and agencies. Last year more than 3,000 Nova Scotia volunteers took part in food handler training programs.

"Fund-raisers, community events and other volunteer activities where food is served are traditions in Nova Scotia. We realize that education is key and our staff offer this food handler training course to volunteers free of charge," said the minister.

Food safety staff also inspected 20 licensed abattoirs and 25 meat processing facilities.

In 2002, dairy farms were visited by inspectors on 609 occasions. The six Nova Scotia dairy processing facilities were inspected 21 times.

The summary report is available on the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/nsaf .