2004 Agrologist in Residence Public Lecture

September 29, 2004

2004 Agrologist in Residence Public Lecture
Wednesday September 29 at 7 p.m.
OVC Lifetime Learning Centre, Rm 1714
Brenda Watson, P.Ag.
Food Safety: You’re in Control

More and more, foodborne illness is in the news. According to Health Canada, approximately 10,000 cases of foodborne diseases are reported every year, but food safety experts believe more than two million people become ill without knowing or reporting it. These illnesses cost Canadian health services, industry and society an estimated one billion dollars annually.

Brenda will describe and discuss the important role that the consumer has in keeping food safe from the time they purchase their food until they consume it. The good news is that government, farmers, processors and retailers work very hard to ensure that they maintain the trust that they have earned from Canadians from coast to coast. It is important to remember, though, that consumers also have a role to play in ensuring that their food is safe to eat – at home, at school and even while eating out.

This presentation will focus on the consumer; results of national research and the message that implementing the 4 easy steps of the FightBAC!® campaign – Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill - could prevent eighty-five percent of all cases of foodborne illness.

You must realize that food safety is a key concern to all of us from the farm gate to the dinner plate. Come to the “Agrologist in Residence” public lecture to hear about the critical role we all have to play.