“No-wash” poultry labelling: coming soon to a chicken near you?

According to Health Canada, more than 4 million Canadians suffer from food poisoning every year. While most cases are minor with no permanent ill effects, serous outbreaks can lead to recalls, as well as the spectre of civil liability in the form of class action lawsuits.

Research recently published by the United Kingdom’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) regarding the source and nature of food poisoning in the United Kingdom may indirectly provide assistance to poultry manufacturers and retailers in Canada looking to manage the risk of recalls or other regulatory action being taken, as well as potential civil liability associated with food-borne illness originating from poultry.