Which federal Act helps ensure that food does not contain harmful substances?

The Food and Drugs Act is the correct answer because it is the primary piece of legislation in Canada that governs the safety and quality of food products. This Act is designed to protect consumers by ensuring that food sold in Canada is safe for consumption and free from harmful substances. It establishes standards for food labeling, advertising, and the prohibition of misleading claims, while also setting limits on the levels of harmful substances that may be present in food products.

This Act plays a critical role in regulating both food and drugs, making sure that all substances in food do not pose a risk to public health. Its enforcement helps ensure that products are properly inspected and tested, providing assurance to consumers regarding the safety and quality of what they are eating.

Other options, while related to health and safety, do not primarily focus on the safety of food in the same comprehensive manner. The Pest Control Products Act, for example, relates specifically to the regulation of pesticides used in food production but is not solely focused on food safety as a whole. The Public Health Act typically addresses broader health issues rather than food-specific concerns, and the Agricultural Act is primarily concerned with agricultural policies rather than direct food safety issues.