Identifying the impact of climate variables on biological and chemical contaminants of preharvest foods and their associated food safety risks: a scoping review protocol.

Background: Foodborne and waterborne illnesses affect over four million Canadians annually and pose a preventable burden on the nation's healthcare system. Climate change can increase the risk of such illnesses by increasing the likelihood of exposure to contaminants. As climate change progresses, it is imperative to better understand its impact on the dissemination of foodborne and waterborne contaminants throughout the food system.