The Alberta Wheat Commission (AWC) welcomes the news that Japan has resumed commercial wheat shipments from Canada. The news signals Japan’s continued confidence in Canada’s science-based regulatory system, following rigorous testing that confirmed there is no Genetically Modified (GM) wheat in Canadian shipments.
Japan suspended imports on June 15 following the discovery of less than 10 GM wheat plants growing along an oil well access road in Southern Alberta. Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) inspections confirmed shortly after that this was an isolated incident. Ongoing monitoring by the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) has found no evidence that unapproved wheat has entered export cargos. GM wheat is not authorized to be grown commercially in any country.
“Today’s news proves that Canada’s science-based regulatory system works,” said Tom Steve, AWC General Manager. “Not only does Canada’s grain handling system employ some of the most rigorous quality control protocols in the world, but we also prioritize transparency with our customers. Japan is a highly valued customer of Canada and we are pleased to see that they have reaffirmed their confidence in our system and have resumed normal trade.”
AWC commends the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) for their continued management of Canada’s regulatory and quality control systems.
Source : Alberta Wheat Commission