WHEREAS it is a fundamental right of the citizens of Canada to make choices regarding what we eat and what we feed our children; AND WHEREAS genetically modified organisms in our food chain are biologically altered substances often containing the genes of completely unrelated species with no testing of the long-term health implications; AND WHEREAS the Government of Canada does not currently require food producers to label their products as containing genetically modified organisms, thereby eliminating the ability of Canadians to make fully informed choices with respect to the food we eat: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities request of the federal government that any such food containing genetically modified organisms be labeled as such, including which ingredients are genetically modified organisms.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH The responsibility for the labeling of genetically modified food dealing with health and safety issues rests with Health Canada. Special labeling to address potential health risks is required to identify the presence of an allergen or compositional or nutritional changes to food so that consumers are made aware of them. However, labeling to indicate how a food is produced that is not health and safety related falls under the responsibility of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency CFIA. The CFIA develops general food labeling policies and regulations not related to health and safety and is responsible for protecting consumers from misrepresentation and fraud with respect to food labeling, packaging and advertising, and for prescribing basic food labeling and advertising requirements. Health Canada has established a rigorous process for evaluating the safety of novel foods, including those foods derived from biotechnology, before they enter the Canadian marketplace. The Departments Guidelines for the Safety Assessment of Novel Foods describe the criteria for safety assessment, which are consistent with the recognized international standards adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Additional information is available on Health Canadas eat http:www.hc-sc.gc.cafn-angmf-agmindex-eng.php. In Canada, while it is not mandatory to identify the method of production that was used to develop a food product, voluntary labeling is permitted, provided it is truthful and not misleading. A national voluntary standard for labeling biotechnology-derived foods was adopted by the Standards Council of Canada in April 2004. It provides guidance to companies to address consumers demands. This standard permits manufacturers to voluntarily label food as derived or not derived from genetic modifications. More information is available at http:www.pwgsc.gc.cacgsbonthenetindex-e.html. MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD AND MINISTRY FOR THE CANADIAN WHEAT BOARD This development recognizes that genetic engineering is not new and that the issues around the development of biotechnology in foods, and the labelling of these foods, are complex and have been the source of much debate since the 1990s. Please be assured that the Government of Canada considers food safety issues to be of the utmost importance. In Budget 2008, this government acted on its commitment by delivering 113 million for Canadas new Food and Consumer Safety Action Plan, which is legislating tougher federal government regulation of food, health and consumer products. Canada has one of the most stringent and rigorous regulatory systems in the world. Canadas regulatory system for products of agricultural biotechnology requires that new products undergo science-based safety assessments by Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency CFIA before they can be cultivated by a grower, used in livestock feed or made available to the consumer. All biotechnology-derived roods approved for sale in Canada have undergone a thorough process of assessment to ensure that they are wholesome, nutritious and, above all, as safe as foods already on the market. Regulations under the Food and Drugs Act require that novel foods, including those derived from biotechnology, be reviewed by Health Canada before they can be sold in Canada. Health Canada conducts a rigorous safety assessment to ensure that biotechnology-derived foods are safe for human consumption. The CFIA assesses that human, animal and environmental safety of plants, livestock feed, veterinary biologics, fertilizers and fertilizer supplements - including those derived from biotechnology. Over the past number of years, Canada and several other counties have carefully considered the topic of mandatory labelling for products of biotechnology. While broad mandatory labelling policies may be in place in other countries, it should be noted that there are issues regarding the practicality and enforceability of these requirements and the number of claims that may actually appear on food. This government supports the principle of providing consumers with credible, useful and clear information about the foods they buy. Recognizing that consumers wanted more information regarding the application of specific techniques of genetic engineering, federal departments and agencies including the CFIA and Health Canada, along with consumer groups, food manufacturers, grocery distributors, provincial representatives and farm organizations, participated in the development of the Nation Standard for the Voluntary Labelling and Advertising of Foods That Are and Are Not Products of Genetic Engineering. This standard can be viewed at www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.cacgsbonthenet0320315standard-e.html. It is also important to note that biotechnology applications can contribute to advancing the sustainability of agriculture by creating solutions not only for farmers to increase food production, but also to respond to a number of environmental challenges and risks to human health. Around the world, biotechnology developments in agriculture are already helping to do the following: - conserve water and adapt to climate change; - reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizer and improve soil conservation; - produce healthier food alternatives for Canadians, such as cooking oils with lower amounts of trans fats; and - develop disease-fighting food crops, such as rice that helps to compensate for Vitamin A deficiency. As previously mentioned, significant work goes into ensuring that the appropriate precautions are taken before a product of biotechnology is approved ini Canada. It is important to maintain our rigorous, science-based assessment process to protect human and animal health and the environment while benefiting from the advances brought by these technologies.