Genetically Modified Organisms

Minister of Agriculture Agri-Food Canadas regulatory system for new agricultural products is based on novelty. Novel products may include genetically engineered plant products and other biotechnology-derived crops. However, novel products can also include conventionally bred crops with novel qualities and characteristics. All novel agricultural products, including those derived from biotechnology, are subject to comprehensive health and safety assessments. Depending on their intended end use, novel agricultural plant products of biotechnology require several separate science-based safety assessments and authorizations. For novel plant products, the safety of the end product intended for release into the environment or for use as a livestock feed is assessed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, while its safety for use as food is assessed by Health Canada. Once a novel plant product has obtained all appropriate safety approvals, it is considered to be like any other that is commercially available. Decisions related to the market introduction of approved products are the responsibility of the product developer. Producers are free to grow or not novel plant products, just as handlers, processors and retailers can choose whether to purchasestock them or seek alternatives e.g. organic, conventional, etc.. The Government of Canada is committed to upholding health and safety and does not advocate for, or against, individual safe technologies or production systems. It is through this approach that the Canadian agriculture and agri-food system is able to support the variety of production systems that supply the vast and differing products demanded by Canadian and international partners. I would like to reassure you that novel agricultural plant products of biotechnology will only be authorized if the safety assessments determine that these products are safe for use as food and livestock feed and for release into the environment. It is important to maintain a thorough, science-based assessment process to protect the health of humans and animals and the environment while benefiting from technological advances. The Government of Canada has devoted considerable attention to the topic of labelling for products of biotechnology. Canada has been an active participant in the Codex Alimentarius, the United Nations international food standards body. Canada uses the compilation of various Codex texts to provide guidance in developing its labelling policies, and our approach to labelling products of biotechnology is in line with these principles. A labelling regime that allows food companies to provide consistent information is necessary to help consumers make informed choices. Health Canada requires mandatory labelling for food products, including GE foods, where there are clear, scientifically established health risks or significant nutritional changes that can be mitigated through labelling. For example, an allergen present in a food must be labelled to alert consumers. When it comes to non-health and safety-related information, including method-of-production labelling, the Government supports a voluntary approach. It is important to me that consumers have access to credible, useful and clear information about the foods they buy. In keeping with our commitment to the primacy of science-based regulations for novel crops and Health Canadas approach to labelling, the Government adopted the National Standard for the Voluntary Labelling and Advertising of Foods That Are and Are Not Products of Genetic Engineering. This standard was developed in consultation with consumer groups, food manufacturers, grocery distributors, provincial representatives and farm organizations, and provides guidance for companies wishing to make claims about their food, whether GE or non-GE. I encourage you to view the Standard, which is available at: www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.caongc-cgsbprogramme-programnormes-standardsinternet…