Health Canada has set up a new office to try and resolve consumer complaints about food or drugs.

The Food and Drugs Act Liaison Office will provide "independent and confidential" advice when consumers are struggling with the regulatory process or with the policies and procedures used in the act, the department said Tuesday.

"The new Food and Drugs Act Liaison Office is part of a series of initiatives designed to modernize and strengthen Canada's safety system for food, health and consumer products," said federal Health Minister Tony Clement in a news release.

The release from the department said the office will "work with departmental and public stakeholders to facilitate early resolution of disputes and work to prevent future disputes of a similar nature from occurring."

The office website said it will deal with complaints, concerns or enquiries about alleged acts, omissions, improprieties or systemic problems arising from the act.

"We will listen, offer options, facilitate resolution, make recommendations, investigate or otherwise examine issues," the office's website said.