News Release

U of G, Canadian Food Inspection Agency join forces to advance skills and knowledge in food safety regulation

The University of Guelph and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) today signed an agreement to increase their co-operation and create a unique Canadian research and educational program in food safety regulation. The three-year agreement will benefit Canadian students and pave the way for the establishment, at the University of Guelph, of a Canadian Institute for Food Inspection and Regulation that will guide the two organizations' collaborative projects, as well as attract and secure research and development funding from the private and public sectors.

"This is an important example of how the government and Canadian communities can work together to promote a strong food inspection system, as well as the health, the safety and the economic well-being of Canadians," said Brenda Chamberlain, Member of Parliament for Guelph-Wellington.

The Institute will oversee a Joint Research Committee that will identify research priorities and a Chair for Food System and Regulation which will guide the Institute's regulatory research program. The agreement also includes:

-- a commitment to employ up to 10 students interested in pursuing work term employment in the CFIA through the co-operative student education program;

-- the establishment of a CFIA President's Scholarship Program for three graduate students in biotechnology;

-- support for the University's SPARK program. SPARK is an acronym for Students Promoting Awareness and Research Knowledge, an initiative that provides University of Guelph students from different disciplines with the opportunity to learn about journalism and write science-related news stories for professional media.

"This agreement builds on an already successful relationship between the University of Guelph and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Food safety, the protection and the health of Canada's animal and plant populations are the CFIA's top priorities. The soon-to-be-established Institute will make a significant contribution to these goals and help us keep pace with new technological and scientific advancements," said Ron Doering, CFIA President.

"The University of Guelph is proud to be Canada's preeminent centre for agri-food research, education and technology transfer," said Mordechai Rozanski, President of the University of Guelph. "The Canadian Institute for Food Inspection and Regulation will enhance the country's research base, attract bright minds, initiate careers, and improve our food regulation and inspection capabilities, to the benefit of all Canadians."

The CFIA is a Government of Canada organization that works with other levels of government, consumers, industry and the academic and scientific community to build one of the safest food system in the world. The University of Guelph is recognized as one of Canada's leading agri-food and food safety research and teaching institutions.

For more information please consult the CFIA's Internet site at www.cfia-acia.agr.ca and the University of Guelph's Internet site at www.uoguelph.ca

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Contacts:

Canadian Food Inspection Agency: Dr. Robert Clarke, (613) 225-2342

University of Guelph: Jim Pettit, (519) 831-2076

Media Relations: Media Relations: Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Alexander Wooley (613) 228-6682 (519) 824-4120, Ext. 6982

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