As a part of the Government of Canada's efforts to improve food safety as well as to protect the agriculture industry in Canada, a new educational video has been launched.
Ag. Minister Gerry Ritz and Chief Food Safety Officer Brian Evans recently unveiled "Be Aware and Declare!" The new video is intended to educate Canadians and tourists on the importance of declaring all foods, plants and animals when entering Canada.
"Canadian farmers work hard to maintain the highest, science-based on-farm production practices so that they can deliver safe, top quality food to kitchen tables around the world," says Ritz. "We are investing in another year of this campaign to remind travellers to do their part and declare all foods, plants and animals when visiting or returning to Canada."
The "Be Aware and Declare!" campaign is in its fifth successful year of reminding Canadians returning home from abroad and foreign travellers that Canadian law requires the aforementioned declarations.
"We live in a world where disease and pest occurrence is dynamic. Protecting our animal and plant resources, and Canada's eco-systems and biodiversity, requires vigilance in addressing all identified risk pathways," adds Evans.
"Animal health, plant health and public health - these all require a community effort."
The new 30-second public service announcement highlights the important role that travellers play in protecting Canada's agricultural industry, environment and food supply. It is available online and will also appear in some Canadian airports and on incoming international flights. It's available in French, English and 10 other languages.
To view the video and learn more about the campaign, visit: www.be aware.gc.ca.
