FAQ on Food Safety

Q. What do Ontario greenhouse producers do on their farms to make sure they are selling safe food?

A. OGVG producers employ a system to reduce the potential for chemical, microbial and physical contamination of tomatoes, cucumbers and sweet peppers. The OGVG in conjunction with F.P. Gushue and Associates (www.foodtechies.com), puts emphasis on increasing producers' knowledge, raising awareness about food safety and providing an infrastructure to train employees. Producers address on-farm risks such as wash water source, employee hygiene and transportation.

Q. I have read a recent article about a salmonella outbreak traced to tomatoes. Were these Ontario greenhouse tomatoes?

A. No, regarding the recent 2008 outbreak, all Canadian produce was cleared. The OGVG food safety program was developed to reduce the chances of outbreaks such as this occurring.

Q. How do I know if the tomatoes I am planning on buying are Ontario greenhouse and have been part of the on-farm food safety program?

A. Look for the Foodland Ontario logo, OGVG logo or a sign that indicates that the greenhouse tomatoes, cucumbers and sweet peppers are a product of Ontario. You can also ask your produce manager.

Q. What types of training programs do OGVG producers implement with their employees?

A. A training video developed and evaluated by the University of Guelph is used in the program. A video in English and Spanish highlighting proper hygiene, picking/packing techniques and illness reporting is used along with a poster and other visuals.