Why does Health Canada not do its own testing of GM foods?
Health Canada’s requirements are extremely rigorous. Companies spend millions of dollars testing their products according to these requirements, which include detailed documentation of testing. Thorough analysis is conducted of the data and of the protocol used to ensure the validity of results. If the evaluator determines that the data is not sufficient, additional information and additional testing may be required. Evaluators may also supplement the information provided by the petitioner with any published data in Canada or internationally that is relevant to the product in question. Paper reviews are a standard scientific method of evaluation used by regulators around the world, to evaluate the health and safety of a variety of products including food and drugs. Methods used by Health Canada are based on international expert consultations endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Devel
