Canadians Call for Transparency on Gene Editing in Food

As Canada reviews national standards for food labelling, new research commissioned by the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) reveals that Canadians overwhelmingly want transparency when it comes to the use of gene editing in food. 

CHFA is a key stakeholder currently reviewing the National Standard for Voluntary Labelling and Advertising of Foods That Are and Are Not Products of Genetic Engineering. This standard, overseen by the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB), guides labelling practices to ensure consumers have the information they need to make informed choices.

The review currently includes discussions on a proposal to exclude gene editing from the definition of genetic engineering for labelling purposes. If accepted, gene-edited foods could be marketed as "non-genetically engineered," despite gene editing being a form of genetic engineering. Such a change would blur the meaning of "non genetically engineered" and risk undermining the trust Canadians place in products marketed by CHFA members.