The Public Service Alliance of Canada, which represents food inspectors, is raising questions about government plans to eliminate inspections at some Canada-U.S. border points.

The concerns follow the recent recall of beef products from XL Foods in Brooks, Alberta.

The union points out the tainted beef was first detected by U.S. inspectors at a Montana border crossing back on September 3rd.

Ten days later, Canada revoked the plant’s permit to export.

The President of the Consumers Association of Canada says food safety should be the number one priority of the federal government.

Bruce Cran tells 660News he fears if food inspection services are not expanded, and soon, the day will come when tainted food will kill hundreds and sicken thousands, prompting countries the world over to close their borders to Canadian products.

Cran says it might be time to revisit the issue of irradiation.