The role of the Canadian government agency in assessing HACCP

In Canada, two food inspection programs have developed to embody internatio nally recognized principles of safe food processing. The Food Safety Enhanc ement Program (FSEP) is for establishments registered under the Meat Inspec tion Act and the Canada Agricultural Products Act, while the Quality Manage ment Program (QMP) is for federally registered fish processing establishmen ts. Both FSEP and QMP are fully compatible with the international HACCP gui delines adopted by Coder alimentarius. Under both QMP and FSEP initiatives, food manufacturers are responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of HACCP food safety systems. The CFIA is responsible for veri fying or auditing that industry operates acceptable systems. (C) 2000 Elsev ier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.