Opinions surrounding the safety of genetically modified (GM) foods
must be based on conclusive scientific facts, not the results of one study,
the trade association representing Canada's plant science industry said
today.
"Genetically modified foods and the crops from which they are derived
are some of the most extensively studied food products in the world," says
Denise Dewar, Executive Director of Plant Biotechnology for CropLife
Canada."GM foods have been safely consumed for over a decade."

Countless studies by international organizations have concluded that
genetically modified crops pose no risk to human health and the environment.
A report from the European Union concludes "the use of more precise
technology and the greater regulatory scrutiny probably make them even safer
than conventional plants and foods."

The World Health Organization states "no effects on human health have
been shown as a result of the consumption of such foods by the general
population in the countries where they have been approved."

To ensure that our food is safe and nutritious, Canada has one of the
most rigorous and well-respected regulatory approval processes in the world.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Health Canada ensure the
safety of our food. In establishing science-based regulation of these
products in Canada, Health Canada's guidelines reflect recent international
standards, which are based on scientific principles developed over the last
10 years through expert international consultation with agencies such as the
World Health Organization and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and
Development.

"The call for mandatory labelling of GM food would ultimately impose
greater costs to growers, manufacturers and consumers and it is difficult
and expensive to enforce," said Dewar. "In many countries that have adopted
the system, it has failed to provide consumers with choice."

Canada's agricultural biotechnology sector is an important part of the
country's growing bio-economy, and GM crops allow farmers to grow plants
that are more nutritious, achieve higher crop yields and provide more
options to manage weeds and insects.

CropLife Canada is the trade association representing the
manufacturers, developers and distributors of plant science innovations -
pest control products and plant biotechnology - for use in agriculture,
urban and public health settings.


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