The Canadian Biotechnology Action Network (CBAN) issued a release opposing Health Canada’s approval of gene-edited pigs for human consumption, warning that the decision allows unlabelled genetically engineered pork to be sold in grocery stores. “If gene-edited pigs actually get produced and sold, Canadians won’t know if the meat in their grocery cart is from these … Read more
A new Leger Marketing poll for the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network (CBAN) and Vigilance OGM found that 83 per cent of Canadians want mandatory labelling of genetically modified (GM) foods. “This poll confirms that Canadians overwhelmingly want to know where genetically modified foods are in grocery stores,” said CBAN coordinator Lucy Sharratt. She warned that … Read more
A Parliamentary e-petition was launched calling on the House of Commons to require companies to label all genetically engineered (genetically modified or GM) foods including those produced through the new techniques of gene editing such as CRISPR.(1) “Mandatory labelling is urgent because biotechnology companies can now start selling gene-edited fruits and vegetables without even notifying the … Read more
The federal government has completed a trio of regulatory updates that remove government safety assessments and mandatory transparency from most seeds, foods, and livestock feed produced through the new techniques of genetic engineering (genetic modification or GM) collectively referred to as gene editing. “These decisions are removing government oversight and transparency around new genetic engineering … Read more
Canadian public interest groups are critiquing the Government of Canada’s arguments against Mexico’s restrictions on genetically engineered (genetically modified or GM) corn that were published on April 5 as part of a North American trade dispute. “The Canadian government is trying to force Mexico to drop its restrictions on using genetically modified corn for making traditional foods. … Read more
In solidarity with Mexico, 31 Canadian organizations stated their objection to Canada’s role in a trade challenge initiated by the United States under the Canada-US-Mexico trade agreement (CUSMA), which aims to end Mexico’s restrictions on the use of genetically modified (GM) corn for certain foods […] The groups are calling upon Canada to respect the seed … Read more
The Canadian Biotechnology Action Network renewed its call for Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos (Québec, Que.) and Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau (Compton-Stanstead, Que.) to reject proposals to remove government oversight of some genetically engineered (genetically modified or GM) foods and seeds. CBAN also released a report, New Proposals Would Eliminate Transparency on GMOs in Canada, that describes how the changes would remove the ability of the … Read more
On March 25, Health Canada released proposals that would remove some genetically engineered (commonly called genetically modified) foods from regulation, part of draft updates to departmental guidance on risk assessment for genetically modified organisms. “This is an abdication of the Health Canada’s responsibility to ensure food safety,” said Lucy Sharratt of the Canadian Biotechnology Action … Read more
The Canadian Biotechnology Action Network and the SaskOrganics’ Organic Agriculture Protection Fund Committee published a new report entitled GM Contamination in Canada: The failure to contain living modified organisms – incidents and impacts. The report calls for action to prevent future contamination incidents. “Farmers are the first to pay the price. Our experience shows that GM contamination … Read more
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has announced the discovery of unapproved genetically modified (GM, also called genetically engineered) wheat near a farm in Alberta, but says the contamination is an isolated event. “We’re relieved this is an isolated contamination case but we’re concerned that the government couldn’t determine how it happened. Without knowing the cause, contamination … Read more
