The Canadian Food Inspection Agency signs collaborative science-sharing and research agreement with French food regulator Français
OTTAWA, APRIL 10, 2017 /CNW/ - The CFIA is protecting Canada's food, plants and animals through science and collaboration with partners, both internationally and here at home.
The CFIA has signed a science-sharing memorandum of understanding with the French food regulator, Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l'alimentation, de l'environnement et du travail (ANSES), at CFIA Headquarters in Ottawa.
The aim of the agreement is to better protect people, animals, and the natural environment through the sharing of cutting-edge science and risk assessment methods.
The agreement will strengthen and formalize scientific cooperation on innovative research taking place at the CFIA network of 13 reference and research laboratories, and the ANSES network of 11 laboratories throughout France.
The collaboration is envisioned to further develop research on genomics (the study of DNA sequences), and proteomics (the study of proteins), to better understand food and animal diseases and how we detect them. Scientific techniques in these areas, such as DNA Barcoding and whole genome sequencing are already refining and improving the way that the CFIA detects and studies foodborne illness, invasive species, plant and animal diseases.
Quotes
"The CFIA is a global leader in protecting food, animals and plants through science. This agreement with ANSES allows our scientists and laboratories to better work together on innovative science and best practices that protect people, the environment and the economy.
"In a globalized world where Canada trades internationally, threats such as foreign animal diseases, invasive species and anti-microbial resistance are global issues that know no borders. The CFIA will continue to develop international partnerships so we can further protect Canadians through global scientific innovation and collaboration."
Dr. Primal Silva, Acting Vice President of Science, Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Quick facts
- Canada is the world leader in DNA Barcoding, which can be used to identify food fraud and food borne illnesses.
- In DNA Barcoding, a small DNA sequence is used to identify different species, similar to how a supermarket identifies your purchases using a barcode and scanner.
Additional links
SOURCE Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
Media Relations, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 613-773-6600
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