Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG) is reaffirming its commitment to food safety, traceability, and transparency while reminding consumers that food safety incidents involving specific products should not be viewed as representative of all fresh produce.

Ontario greenhouse growers produce tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers in carefully managed indoor environments that limit exposure to many potential sources of contamination found in outdoor production. Crops are grown without contact with open soil and are protected from rain, runoff, wildlife and other environmental sources of contamination. This controlled system supports robust food safety practices, full traceability and consistent product quality.  

"Consumers can be confident in the safety of Ontario greenhouse vegetables," said Richard Lee, executive director of OGVG. "Our growers operate under some of the most rigorous food safety and regulatory requirements in North America and are committed every day to producing safe, high-quality food."

Commercial greenhouse vegetable operations are required to undergo annual food safety audits conducted by independent, accredited third-party auditors against a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)-recognized food safety program.

These audits verify compliance with rigorous standards for sanitation, employee hygiene, water quality management, facility controls, record keeping, and traceability. In addition, growers comply with applicable federal regulations and meet the stringent food safety requirements of leading retailers and foodservice customers across North America.

OGVG encourages consumers to continue enjoying fresh vegetables as part of a healthy diet and to follow recommended food safety practices at home. These include washing hands before handling food, rinsing fresh fruits and vegetables under clean running potable water before consumption, cleaning food preparation surfaces, and following public health advisories and food recall notices when specific products are identified.

"Food safety is a shared responsibility from greenhouse to table," added Lee. "Ontario greenhouse growers are proud of the systems, standards, and care that go into every crop, and we remain committed to earning consumer trust through safe, reliable, and transparent production practices."

Source:  Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers August 6, 2026 news release