The inaugural World Food Safety Day is June 7, 2019 and that gives the PEI Potato Farmers reason to be proud, as we are very committed to growing the safest food possible.
Island Potato farmers have a very high enrolment in CanadaGAP, which is the nationally recognized food safety program for fruits and vegetables. CanadaGAP sets out high standards throughout the entire food distribution process from growing, storing, packing and shipping food. It is an audited program, and farmers and packers alike must adhere to the rigorous guidelines to maintain their certification. It gives consumers confidence that their food has been grown and managed with the best possible practices and that they are feeding their families safe food. PEI has an excellent reputation both in Canada and around the world, with Canada’s Food Island being known for growing top quality and safe food.
“PEI potato farmers have always taken pride in providing safe and nutritious food for our neighbours, other Canadians and consumers around the world,” said PEI Potato Board Chairman Jason Hayden. “All of the farmers who grow potatoes for our packing sheds and processors are participants in the rigorous CanadaGAP program, which has received full Canadian Government Recognition.”
This annual day to promote awareness and importance of food safety was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly and the Codex Alimentarius Commissionon December 20, 2018, with the intention to end approximately 600 million cases of foodborne illnesses that occur worldwide every year.
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Prince Edward Island Potatoes are world renowned for the great taste and quality that comes from growing in the unique red soil of PEI. The Prince Edward Island Potato Board is a producer-controlled organization dedicated to supporting the highest performance of an economically and environmentally sustainable potato industry. The potato industry contributes over $1 billion to the Prince Edward Island economy each year.
