Voluntary labeling

Labeling of genetically modified (GM) foods in Canada should be voluntary, not mandatory, concludes a new study from the Canadian Biotechnology Advisory Committee, a federal cabinet-level advisory group. The report lays out eight recommendations, including creating a new coordinating body for GM food regulation, increasing regulatory transparency, and improving evaluation and monitoring of long-term health impacts. Mandatory labeling of GM foods may violate international trade agreements, leaving Canada vulnerable to World Trade Organization or North American Free Trade Agreement challenges, says the study. Improving the Regulation of Genetically Modified Foods and Other Novel Foods in Canada is available at www.cbac-cccb.ca/documents/en/cbac.report.pdf.