Safety Assessment Process for Novel Foods and Agricultural Products of Biotechnology

Research and Development

Novel crops, including those developed using genetic engineering, are produced in laboratories, and studied in growth chambers or greenhouses under conditions of environmental isolation.

In Canada, scientists working with genetically modified organisms adhere to guidelines established by the Medical Research Council, as well as the codes of practice established by their own institution.

Evaluation

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulates the confined field trial evaluation of all novel crops. Conditions prescribed by the CFIA are designed to minimize the possibility of any environmental impact. These criteria include: measures to prevent the transfer of pollen to other plants, inspection by CFIA staff, post-harvest land use restrictions, as well as follow-up monitoring.

Assessment

All novel crops and their products are subjected to a rigorous environmental, livestock feed and food safety assessment before they move into the marketplace. Scientists from the CFIA and Health Canada are responsible for a critical review of the data collected from laboratory and field experiments conducted by the proponent.

All assessments are performed on a case-by-case basis and only products judged to be as safe as their traditional counterparts are approved. Decision documents describing the assessment and its results are published by the CFIA and Health Canada and are available to the public.

Registration and Marketing

Canada's variety registration system is designed to ensure that only varieties with proven merit are sold.

Like their traditional counterparts, novel varieties are subject to the standard requirements for variety registration and regulatory oversight.

CFIA

• Biology of the plant and its impact on the environment and biodiversity
• Possibility of gene flow and impact on non-target organisms
• Livestock feed safety
  • Composition, toxicology, nutrition et dietary exposure

Health Canada

• Human food safety
• Composition, toxicology, nutrition et dietary exposure
• Allergenicity