For immediate release

May 23, 2003

Ontario has one of the toughest BSE surveillance programs in the world – MPP Barrett

Hagersville – Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant MPP Toby Barrett says the Ontario Government is well prepared to protect consumers in the wake of Alberta’s lone case of Mad Cow Disease or Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE).

“Here in Ontario, we have put in place one of the most stringent BSE surveillance programs in the world,” said Barrett. “This government is committed to protect the safety of Ontario’s food supply.”

Since 2000, Ontario has been testing for BSE (Mad Cow Disease) to ensure the safety of Ontario’s food supply.  And there has never been a positive cow BSE test in Ontario.

As part of Ontario’s BSE surveillance program, the Ministry of Agriculture and Foods screened more than 1,000 cows last year alone and none of these tests were positive for BSE.

“Ontario’s Food Supply is safe – our surveillance program exceeds international standards,” Barrett said. “That being said – this government knows we must remain vigilant.  That is why we continue to strengthen our food safety standards to protect the health and safety of Ontarians.”

Our initiatives to further strengthen Ontario’s excellent record include,

- An investment of almost $500,000, in 2001, to upgrade the Animal Health Laboratory at the University of Guelph for enhanced BSE testing;

- The Animal Health Laboratory ensures a 7 to 10 day turnaround time for routine BSE samples and a 48 hour turnaround time for priority samples;

- Meat inspectors are present every day at every plant where slaughter is scheduled.  They inspect every animal and carcass; and                                                                                               

- Meat inspectors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide inspection services.