Association, food processor bring food safety into the classroom

Toronto – Maple Leaf Foods Inc. and the Science Teachers’ Association of Ontario (STAO) are working together to bring food safety resources into the classroom.

The resources will increase elementary and secondary school teachers’ awareness of food safety and help support curriculum-related areas of study.

Maple Leaf says the discussions in the classroom will help the next generation understand where the risks are and how government, food companies and consumers contribute to safer food.

The STAO, with Maple Leaf’s support, has developed a comprehensive package of food safety teaching resources, which include:
• Grade-specific curriculum materials;
• Background information for teachers;
• Teaching and evaluation strategies;
• Student workshops;
• Resource lists; and
• Online tools.

Part of the curriculum also focuses on careers in the food industry.

The STAO says it reviewed various elementary and secondary curriculum units, and found that food safety resources would enhance many areas of study within the science and technology curriculum in elementary schools and science in secondary schools.

Donna Stack-Durward, STAO president, adds that food safety issues can be integrated into courses dealing with public health, microbiology, or nutritional science.