ARCHIVED - Inspection Programs

In order to prevent the introduction, transmission or spread of communicable diseases into Canada, Health Canada has implemented voluntary compliance inspection programs in for both national and international travel transportation facilities in Canada. A team of environmental health officers across the country carries out public health inspections on domestic and international passenger conveyances such as cruise ships, passenger ferries, trains and flight kitchens.

What Health Canada does

Health Canada conducts through the Public Health Bureau (PHB) the following activities:

• Inspections of food, water and general sanitation conditions in international/interprovincial cruise ships, passenger ferries, railways and their ancillary services (flight kitchens, train stations, etc.), airport facilities, and federal facilities serving the public.
• Inspections of international vessels to prevent the introduction of communicable diseases into Canada.
• Investigation reports and advisory services to prevent and control gastrointestinal diseases as requested by the industry or due to high incidence rates noted through surveillance activities.
• General environmental and public health information and practices are provided to industries involved in the provision of food and potable water to ensure adequate knowledge of safety practices.

What information is available?

The proactive approach taken by Health Canada has resulted in both high standards and a high level of compliance by the industry with respect to food safety, drinking water and sanitation and have been recognized as ground breaking by the World Health Organization. Health Canada conducts inspections activities through the following programs:

• Aircraft Inspection Program: Frequently Asked Questions
• Cruise Ship Inspection Program.
• Passenger Train Inspection Program.
• Flight Kitchen Food Safety Audit Program.
• Ship Sanitation Certificate Program

The following guidance documents have been created based on the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Influenza virus:

• Recommended Disinfection Procedures for Conveyance and Terminal Operators and their Staff