Resources

There are many valuable sources for information available to both consumers and stakeholders on issues related to nutrition, food safety and food regulation. Below are links to several government and non-government organizations that will provide you with valuable insight into food science, nutrition, food safety and regulation in North America and around the globe. 

Government Nutrition and Food Safety Resources

Health Canada Food Directorate

In support of Health Canada's mission to help Canadians maintain and improve their health, the Food Directorate is the federal health authority responsible for establishing policies, setting standards and providing advice and information on the safety and nutritional value of food. For more information, visit the Health Canada Food Directorate website 

Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)

Mitigating risks to food safety is the CFIA's highest priority, and the health and safety of Canadians is the driving force behind the design and development of CFIA programs. The CFIA, in collaboration and partnership with industry, consumers, and federal, provincial and municipal organizations, continues to work towards protecting Canadians from preventable health risks related to food and zoonotic diseases.  For more information, visit the CFIA website

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada provides leadership in the growth and development of a competitive, innovative and sustainable Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector. The activities of the Department range from the farmer to the consumer, from the farm to global markets, through all phases of producing, processing and marketing of farm, food and bio-based products. Agriculture is also a shared jurisdiction in Canada, and the Department works closely with provincial and territorial governments in the development and delivery of policies and programs. For more information, visit the AAFC website 

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. FDA is also responsible for advancing the public health by helping to speed innovations that make medicines more effective, safer, and more affordable and by helping the public get the accurate, science-based information they need to use medicines and foods to maintain and improve their health. FDA also has responsibility for regulating the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of tobacco products to protect the public health and to reduce tobacco use by minors. For more information, visit the FDA website

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

The USDA provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on public policy, the best available science, and effective management. They have a vision to provide economic opportunity through innovation, helping rural America to thrive; to promote agriculture production that better nourishes Americans while also helping feed others throughout the world; and to preserve U.S. natural resources through conservation, restored forests, improved watersheds, and healthy private working lands. For more information, visit the USDA website 

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)

EFSA is a European agency funded by the European Union that operates independently of the European legislative and executive institutions (Commission, Council, Parliament) and EU Member States. It was set up in 2002 following a series of food crises in the late 1990s to be a source of scientific advice and communication on risks associated with the food chain. The agency was legally established by the EU under the General Food Law - Regulation 178/2002. The General Food Law created a European food safety system in which responsibility for risk assessment (science) and for risk management (policy) are kept separate. EFSA is responsible for the former area, and also has a duty to communicate its scientific findings to the public. For more information, visit the EFSA website

Other Nutrition and Food Safety Resources

Nutrition Resource Centre (NRC)

Funded by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, the Nutrition Resource Centre (NRC) has operated under the Ontario Public Health Association (OPHA) since 1999.  Their mission is to strengthen the capacity of health promotion professionals and community partners involved in healthy eating and nutrition across the health continuum. Through networking and collaboration, the NRC is fostering knowledge transfer and exchange (KTE) and building a centre of excellence in evidence-based resources and tools that will support program and policy development throughout Ontario. For more information, visit the NRC website