Why is Accreditation Important?

Accreditation provides an increased level of confidence in the data and information produced by a lab. This status allows the FSD laboratories the opportunity to collaborate with other recognized facilities on an equal basis. Stakeholders such as Health Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and Alberta Health and Wellness can enter into joint projects with FSD knowing that they can expect high standards of excellence. Consumers are increasingly demanding that all sectors of the food production chain meet stringent safety and quality criteria. The agriculture and food producers of Alberta must meet these demands in order to compete in the global marketplace. If the FSD is to guide and encourage Alberta producers in this endeavour, it must be able to meet recognized quality standards itself. By achieving an accredited Quality System, the FSD has made significant progress towards this goal.