More inspectors at the ministry of Food

Photo SIMON CLARK
Christian Daigle, public service Union

Dominique Scali

Monday, July 10, 2017 21:33

UPDATE
Monday, July 10, 2017 21:33

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The ministry of Food will hire 15 new inspectors in order to respond to the increased complaints from the public to unhygienic conditions in the shops.

These 15 new people are added to the approximately 200 inspectors already in position through the Quebec ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ). They are responsible for ensuring the safety of restaurants and grocery stores, as well as animal welfare.

In an internal note that has obtained The Newspaper on Monday, the MINISTRY explains that these new hires should come to overcome an overload of work.

“[An] evaluation has allowed us, among other things, to see an increase in delays, the time spent in slaughterhouses, the number of complaints from consumers or citizens. “

The MAPAQ has received 7103 complaints from the public about food safety in shops, factories and slaughterhouses in 2016-2017, representing an increase of more than 600 compared to the previous year. Since 2012, the number has increased by 20 %.

“This is a step in the right direction. It will allow to return to a bit of normality in time, but 15 more people to the greatness of Quebec, it is little, ” responded Monday Christian Daigle, the chairman of the public service Union of Quebec (SFPQ).

Insufficient

Especially that this addition of personnel will not be enough to stop the bullying problems experienced by the inspectors, he says.

The Journal revealed in April that the number of incidents of violence, threats and intimidation was a significant increase in the last year. An inspector has even been confronted by an owner of horses who brandished a “metal racks” in his direction, and tried to open the door of her car while she was trying to escape.

In order to truly change the dynamic for the better protection of the inspectors, it would be necessary, for example, allow them to make visits to two, suggests Mr. Daigle.

At the time of going to press, the MINISTRY had not been able to specify the cost of new hires.