Ontario meat is safe, but there are too many incidents of illness from eating it and too many places where the inspection system needs improvements, a report on the province's meat-inspection system prepared by Mr. Justice Roland Haines says.
”The information and advice I have garnered during the course of this review leads me to conclude that the meat produced and consumed in Ontario is, for the most part, safe and free of hazardous contaminants.”
Judge Haines recommended that public servants be protected by so-called whistleblower legislation that would allow them to reveal problems in government without fearing dismissal or other reprisals.
Last September, during the controversy over the Aylmer plan, two meat inspectors said that they had known about the problems but that their complaints were ignored by their superiors.
But he adds a caution: ”Foodborne illness remains a significant public health issue in Ontario.”
In particular, he cites the risk from producers, processors or merchants who may sell problematical meat to make a profit.
”There will always be those who, for expedience or profit, will ignore the rules and put others at risk. The system must, therefore, have the enforcement capacity to detect and deter potential offenders.”
Judge Haines's 559-page report suggests reorganization of the inspection system but also warns that consumers are the single biggest cause of problems related to food contamination.
”As much as 50 per cent of food-borne illness may be linked to the home setting, so it is important that consumers understand their role in food safety,” his report concludes.
Judge Haines was asked by the government on Jan. 9 to review the meat inspection system in the wake of problems last year, including concerns about mad cow disease and reports that a slaughterhouse in Alymer, Ont., had cut up dead cow carcasses and included the meat with other meat from healthy animals.
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