How do Canadas labelling practices compare with those of other countries?
Internationally, there is a wide range of views on the labelling of genetically engineered foods. Canada is a member of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, an international standards-setting body for food. The Commission’s Website at http://www.codexalimentarius.net may be referenced for further information on their work. Codex standards have been recognized by the World Trade Organization as a basis for trade agreements, and as such are becoming increasingly important for countries wishing to trade internationally. Through its Food Labelling Committee, which is chaired by Canada, Codex is developing guidelines for the labelling of foods derived from biotechnology. Canada’s major trading partners, including the United States and Japan, support labelling on a case-by-case basis only in instances of health, safety and compositional change. Additional information concerning Canada’s food labelling practices may be obtained from the CFIA Website at http://www.inspection.gc.ca.
