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Safe Food Handling Standards

Food banks and their agencies operate to meet an important need in our communities. They exist to provide adequate amounts of nutritious food to those who do not have the means to obtain it themselves.

It is very important that the food or products that people receive from a food bank is safe to eat. Public health regulations prohibit unsafe food from being sold or offered to the public.

The objective of offering the most food possible may differ from the objective of offering the safest food possible. Food received and shared by food banks must be safe to consume or use.

Food Banks Canada has developed the Safe Food Handling Standards. These standards are scientifically based on existing food standards and the Canadian Food Safety Enhancement Program. They have been developed with the assistance of food bank operators, manufacturers who donate food, related associations and government partners, including approval from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. They are intended to assist food banks and their agencies in providing adequate amounts of safe nutritious food to their clients.

Download Safe Food Handling Standards_FINAL_revNov2012.pdf (1.04 MB)

Want to donate food but don't know what to give? Most food banks have specific items they need regularly. These 'Most Wanted' items vary from one food bank to another, but we have created a list to help you support your local food bank.

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