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100+ groups call for transparency and oversight of GMOs

We oppose the sale of unregulated, unreported genetically engineered foods and seeds. We oppose the proposals from Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) that would allow many gene-edited genetically engineered foods and seeds onto the market with no government oversight.

Ottawa (24 Nov. 2021) — The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) joins over 100 organizations in calling for greater transparency and government oversight in the regulation of genetically-modified foods and seeds. 

Led by the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network (CBAN), organizations have sent a letter to the health and agriculture ministers.

Flawed proposals

Organizations have sent the letter in response to proposed new regulatory guidance from Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. 

“The regulatory guidance proposals would result in an almost total lack of transparency over the use of genetic engineering in food and farming in Canada — the government itself would not know which genetically engineered foods and seeds may be on the market,” wrote the signatories.

“We oppose the sale of unregulated, unreported genetically engineered foods and seeds,” we wrote. “We oppose the proposals from Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) that would allow many gene-edited genetically engineered foods and seeds onto the market with no government oversight.”

No exemptions

“We demand government oversight of all genetically engineered foods and seeds including those produced through gene editing,” the letter continues. “All genetically engineered foods and seeds should be subject to government safety assessments and mandatory reporting to government.”

“We call on the Ministers of Health and Agriculture and Agri-Food to commit to transparency and independent science in the regulation of all genetically engineered organisms for use in food and farming.”

Proposals would jeopardize safety, environment, livelihoods

“Canadians rely on Health Canada and the CFIA to be independent regulators of genetically engineered products, to ensure food and environmental safety,” the signatories wrote. 

“Relying on unseen corporate safety assessments and corporate science, without any government checks, would undermine public trust in both the food system and government regulation. This proposed corporate self-regulation of genetically engineered foods and seeds jeopardizes food safety, our environment, and the livelihoods of many Canadian farmers.”

Learn more, take action

More information, including a summary of the government’s proposals, is available on CBAN’s website. The National Farmers Union has also raised concerns in its commentary on the proposals.

Individuals can get engaged and take action too. Ideas and resources, such as an online form to send a letter to the Minister of Health, are also available on CBAN’s website.

Read the joint letter here.