The responsibility to protect consumers from foodborne illness, commonly referred to as food poisoning, belongs to all three levels of government. The average spending on food safety by the provincial Ontario government and municipalities, along with the Federal government, is approximately $105.7 million each year.
If you are interested in science and understanding how food makes it onto grocery store shelves or restaurants, a career in food technology might be right for you. Why might this be a good time to train for a career in the food industry? Earlier this year, the Canadian Agricultural Partnership was announced, and the provincial and federal governments are making big investments into food safety. Read on to learn the details.
Let’s Talk About Numbers and Food Technology Courses
People who are interested in working in the food industry may also be interested in the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. It is an initiative specifically supporting food safety in Ontario’s meat sector. Here are some background facts and figures from the Government of Canada to help you understand the partnership:
- In Ontario, there are 123 provincially inspected meat processing operations
- 25 projects at provincially licensed abattoir businesses in Ontario will receive cost-share funding of up to $20,000
- The Ontario agri-food sector supports over 837,000 jobs within the province
From farm to table, there are a lot of steps in between to make sure food is safe
This partnership marks a commitment to an important industry that keeps consumers safe. If you take food technology courses, you have the opportunity to learn about food processing along with courses in food microbiology, among many other topics, helping you prepare for a rewarding career in an industry that needs committed professionals.
Ministry Support for Food Safety
For those who are considering getting a food technology diploma, it is clear that they will be entering a highly valued industry. According to the federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, “the success of our meat processing business relies on the strength of our food safety systems.”
The Honourable Ernie Hardeman, Ontario Minister of Agriculture for Food and Rural Affairs added to this sentiment as well:
Investing in projects like these, which provide consumers with even more confidence about the safety of foods produced in Ontario, will support employment in this key sector and further boost its competitiveness.
There are many career paths into food technology, from the lab to the factory
The agri-food sector is just one area related to food technology, but these statements indicate that the government is interested in funding initiatives that protect consumers while providing opportunities for food producers and processors.
The Need for Food Safety Projects
In 2014 Public Health Ontario estimated that food poisoning was responsible for about 41,000 visits to the emergency room. However, they also stated that 96% of food poisoning cases go unreported. This suggests that food processors could still be doing more to ensure products are safer for consumers.
There are many types of food safety projects that will receive funding from the Canadian Agriculture Partnership. Here are just a few:
- Food Safety Traceability Training: projects that involve food safety training
- Food Safety Equipment: projects that need new tools or machines for food safety
- Health Management: projects to reduce biosecurity risks
Students in food technology will learn about rapid detection of foodborne microorganisms
As small businesses in the agri-food sector ramp up their food safety projects, it is a good time to think about career plans.
Are you interested in learning more about a diploma in food safety?
Visit the Academy of Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences today!