FAQ

Consult the CBAC Glossary for the definition of certain terms used within the FAQ section.

1. What is biotechnology?

   Biotechnology is an umbrella term that covers a broad spectrum of scientific tools and techniques. These range from traditional uses of living organisms such as yeast in bread or bacteria in yoghurt to more advanced techniques such as genetic engineering. Biotechnology uses living organisms, or parts of living organisms, to make new products or provide new methods of production.

   Some examples of the use of modern biotechnology include:

   • using recombinant-DNA technology to introduce specific genetic material into plants to encode particular traits such as resistance to insect pests or disease-causing plant viruses, or tolerance to herbicides
   • tests that identify genetic variations that make certain individuals more vulnerable to cancer.
2. Why was CBAC established?

   The Canadian Biotechnology Advisory Committee (CBAC) is a body of external experts established in September 1999 by the Government of Canada to provide comprehensive advice on current policy issues associated with the ethical, social, regulatory, economic, scientific, environmental and health aspects of biotechnology. CBAC also provides opportunities for Canadians to voice their views on the matters on which CBAC offers advice to the Government.

3. What is biotechnological intellectual property?

   Intellectual property (IP) is any outcome of human thought that is unique, novel and not obvious. Examples of intellectual property include new inventions, works of literature, unique names, new industrial processes, chemical formulae, computer programs or presentations. To protect the investment of time, energy, and money that goes into developing these and other forms of intellectual property, many individuals and businesses will seek to protect their property by obtaining a patent, trademark, copyright or registered industrial design from the Canadian Intellectual Property Office.

   Once protected, intellectual property may not be copied or used by others without the permission of the originator - often with a licensing or rights fee being charged.

   In biotechnology, intellectual property applies to new and original ways to manipulate the genetic information in a living organism. The main mechanism currently used in Canada for protecting biotechnological IP is the patent system. Canada grants patents on:

   • DNA, RNA and genes, of plant, animal or human origin
   • single-celled organisms such as bacteria, some fungi and algae
   • cell lines and hybridomas
   • the processes used to produce new biotechnology products

   A major question regarding biotechnological intellectual property is:

   • Whether higher life forms such as plants and animals should be patentable
   • If they were, what implications would that have? How far should those rights extend? How would this affect the rights of human beings?

   Consult the CBAC's report on "Patenting of Higher Life Forms and Related Issues" for more information on these issues.

4. Can genetically modified plants and animals be patented?

   No. Genetically modified plants and animals, or higher life forms, cannot be patented, according to the Supreme Court ruling on the case of the Harvard onco-mouse, in December of 2002. The term "higher life forms" is not defined in law, but is commonly used to mean multi-celled organisms, including plants, seeds and animals.

   The Court pointed out in its decision that the Patent Act is currently ill equipped to deal with the complex issues raised by the genetic modification of higher life forms, such as the fact that these life forms are living and reproducing.

   The Court received CBAC's recommendations in reaching its decision. CBAC's research, consultations and recommendations to the Government of Canada on this issue are found in its report, Patenting of Higher Life Forms and Related Issues.

5. What is the definition of GM food?

   As it is commonly used, the term "genetically modified" (GM) foods refers to foods that have been produced using recent advances in gene technology that are collectively referred to as modern biotechnology.

   Most genetic modifications are in crops, to improve resistance to insects, disease, and/or pesticides. The next generation of genetic modifications in crops will be to change the nutrient value of the food itself.

   Consult the CBAC report on Genetically Modified Foods for more information.

6. Who is responsible for regulating GM foods in Canada?

   In Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulates plants with novel traits, which includes genetically modified properties, including their impact on the environment.

   Health Canada regulates novel foods.

   The purpose of Canadian regulation is to protect human and animal health and the environment, including biodiversity. The Canadian approach requires regulatory approval for all novel foods, including but not limited to GM food. This approach is unique to Canada.

   Consult the CBAC report on Genetically Modified Foods for more information.

7. What is the status of labelling of genetically engineered (GE) foods in Canada?

   On April 15, 2004, the Government of Canada announced that a labelling standard for Voluntary Labelling and Advertising of foods that are and are not Products of Genetic Engineering, which was developed by a committee of the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB), has been adopted as a National Standard of Canada.

   Previously, on September 8, 2003, the CGSB committee announced they had reached agreement on the standard. The next step was a review by the Standards Council of Canada as to whether or not the standard would be accepted as a National Standard of Canada. Now accepted, the standard will be published for voluntary use by food producers and manufacturers.

8. What is CBAC’s advice on labelling of GE foods?

   The Canadian Biotechnology Advisory Committee (CBAC) strongly supports consumer choice. In our report on the regulation of genetically modified foods, we recommended a voluntary system of labelling for GE foods that is first and foremost, truthful, not misleading, and verifiable.

   We are pleased that through the CGSB process, a national standard now exists. We hope the standard will quickly be adopted and promoted by food producers and manufacturers so that consumers can soon see labeled products on grocery shelves.

   In CBAC’s report on the regulation of genetically modified foods, we recommended that five years after the labelling standard is implemented on a voluntary basis, it should be evaluated to determine if it is effective in providing choice to consumers. Further, CBAC recommended that if it does not satisfactorily address consumer choice, other approaches, including mandatory labelling, should be considered.

9. What is the purpose of the standard?

   The purpose of the labelling standard is to:

   • develop meaningful criteria for labelling, understandable messages for consumers that are not false or misleading, and a consistent policy to verify the truthfulness of labels;
   • in so doing, provide consumers with informed choice; and
   • provide further guidance to industry on labelling of GE and non-GE foods.
10. What information will be provided on a label?

    The following examples, provided by the Canadian General Standards Board, are some of the claims considered acceptable if made in accordance with the standard. For more information on acceptable and non-acceptable claims, as determined by the standard, see the Canadian General Standards Board web site at http://www.cgsb.gc.ca.

    Accepted claims:
    • "These potatoes are a product of genetic engineering"
    • "This corn oil is a product of genetic engineering"
    • "Non-genetically engineered potatoes"
    • "Corn (not a product of genetic engineering)"
11. How was the standard developed?

    A standards committee, established by the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB), began work in November 1999 to develop a draft Canadian standard for voluntary labelling of GE foods. The committee included a broad range of stakeholders, including consumer groups, food companies, producers, general interest groups, universities and government. In all, six federal government departments and about 120 producer, consumer and other stakeholder organizations contributed to developing the labelling standard. The Canadian public was invited to comment on the draft voluntary labelling standard as part of a consultation process in summer 2001.

12. How are standards developed for products and services in Canada?

    As described by the Standards Council of Canada, the basic process by which a standard is developed is consistent among all standard development organizations, national and international. The following is a simplified breakdown of the process:

    1. Identification of the need for new standard
    2. Preliminary study and preparation of a draft outline
    3. Establishment of a committee (pre-existing or new)
    4. Committee meetings and consensus building on the draft
    5. Vote on the draft standard
    6. Publication of the standard

    For more information on how standards are developed for products and services in Canada, see the Standards Council of Canada, National Standards System at: http://www.scc.ca/en/nss/index.shtml.

    For more information, consult CBAC's report, The Regulation of Genetically Modified Foods, August 2002.