Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Science Branch
Office of Biotechnology

Labelling of Genetically Engineered Foods in Canada

Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) carry joint responsibility for federal food labelling policies in Canada under the Food and Drugs Act.

Health Canada is responsible for setting food labelling policies with respect to health and safety matters (i.e. nutritional content, special dietary needs etc.). This applies to all foods, including foods that have been derived through genetic engineering.

CFIA is responsible for the development of non-health and safety food labelling regulations and policies. More specifically CFIA is responsible for protecting consumers from misrepresentation and fraud with respect to food labelling, packaging and advertising and for prescribing basic food labelling and advertising requirements applicable to all foods (i.e. listing of food ingredients and components, product claims, mandatory information and statements etc.). Again, these apply to all foods, including genetically engineered foods.