A new international model for helping meat producers deal with outbreaks of e-coli has been proposed by a Canadian agricultural think-tank, as part of a national debate after seven people died from exposure to the bacteria.

Ontario#;s George Morris Centre has urged Ontario authorities to establish an insurance programme for livestock farms, that would encourage farmers to use environmentally sound practices, with premiums fluctuating according to how a farmer’s manure handling system operates. Farmers with environmentally sound practices would pay less than those with practices that are potentially harmful to the environment and which might boost the risk of an e-coli outbreak.

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Allan Mussell, researcher with George Morris, told just-food.com that the insurance plan would reassure the public on the safety of livestock farming, which is in doubt after the deaths Ontario caused by contaminated drinking water.

By Monica Dobie

Just Food Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Food Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

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Winning five categories in the 2025 Just Food Excellence Awards, Centric Software is setting the pace for digital transformation in food and FMCG. Explore how its integrated PLM and PXM suite delivers faster launches, smarter compliance and data-driven growth for complex, multi-channel product portfolios.

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