How can I be sure genetically engineered products are safe?
Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency share responsibilities for the safety of novel foods developed using agricultural biotechnology. Health Canada is responsible for the regulation of “Novel Foods”. Novel foods include those that have not previously been used as food, food resulting from genetic modification and foods modified from traditional products using new processes or microorganisms. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency conducts safety assessments on fertilizers, seeds, plants, animals, animal vaccines or diagnostics, feeds and food labeling policies with respect to non-health and safety matters. Each biotech product is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Only products which meet standards set by these agencies and which are considered safe for humans plants, animals and the environment will be approved.
