Thankfully, there is no equivalent precipitating event for this review but certain events of the past year, including the discovery of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Canada and allegations of illegal activities at certain provincial abattoirs, have focussed the attention of the media and the public on the issue of meat safety in Ontario. [...] This legislation provides for the organization and delivery of public health programs and services, the prevention of the spread of disease and the promotion and protection of the health of the people of Ontario. [...] Under the terms of that arrangement, the MNR provides investigative services and resources for the prosecution of offenders who contravene the regulations relating to meat production and the disposal of dead animals. [...] The purpose of the FSQA was to modernize the food safety and quality features of several existing statutes to provide a framework for the implementation of food safety inspection programs that will complement and support the food safety programs provided by the CFIA and local Boards of Health. [...] This is especially so in the Food Inspection Branch where the Director is charged with ensuring both the health of the industry and the safety of the public.