For more information on the Canadian government's current position on GM foods, please visit these sites:

Consumer Protection and Food Policy Coordination Division Policy, Planning and Coordination Directorate: Labelling of Novel Foods "Labels of novel foods or novel food ingredients derived through genetic engineering must identify the presence of potential health and/or safety risks for individuals or population segments."

Procedures for Handling Products of Biotechnology Under the Jurisdictions of Health Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada A recent agreement between Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Health Canada will assist in the evaluation of genetically engineered plants which require notification as novel foods. For these products, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has agreed to incorporate the food safety assessment as one of the criteria for the registration of new plant varieties that may be considered novel foods. Health Canada will conduct the safety assessments of these plants in accordance with the "Guidelines for the Safety Assessment of Novel Foods" to ensure products can be consumed as food.

Health Canada's webste on Novel Foods (includes GM foods) Site includes Health Canada's decisions, regulations, guidelines for the safety assessments, and details on the June 1998 Canada and United States Bilateral on Agricultural Biotechnology.

*** Health Canada's Mission Statement:

"Recognizing that food is fundamental to health, the mission of the food program is to protect and improve the health of the people of Canada through science-based policies and programs related to safe and nutritious food."

home