Author: Press Release
Publication: Food and Consumer Products Manufacturers of Canada
Date: Sunday, August 26, 2001

TORONTO, Aug. 26 /CNW/ - In response to the Canadian Biotechnology
Advisory Committee`s (CBAC) Interim Report on the Regulation of Genetically
Modified Food, the Food and Consumer Products Manufacturers of Canada (FCPMC)
commends the report that made recommendations on consumer information and
labelling for foods of biotechnology.

After a comprehensive review, CBAC recommended that the current
initiative under the Canadian General Standards Board should continue and a
voluntary labelling system be developed. Laurie Curry, Vice President, Public
Policy & Scientific Affairs, said ``FCPMC continues to support the current work
of the Canadian General Standards Board on labelling of foods derived from
biotechnology.`` The process involves over 60 stakeholder organizations ranging
from industry experts to government to consumer groups.

FCPMC noted that this is the second major independent review conducted
for the federal government that has concluded that a voluntary labelling
system should be developed. In January, the Royal Society of Canada concluded
there are no health or safety reasons that warrant a general mandatory
labelling requirement, but did endorse voluntary labelling. The Royal Society
supported Health Canada`s current requirements for mandatory labelling where
there are nutrition or safety concerns such as potential allergic reactions to
modified foods.

``Our initial reading of the CBAC report is that it would lead the
government toward more comprehensive reviews when approving the next
generation of biotechnology products. We believe that`s a prudent approach:
more complex products will require more scrutiny,`` said Ms. Curry. ``As the
biotechnology industry evolves, the regulatory framework controlling
biotechnology also needs to evolve.``

As consumers demand more and more new products, FCPMC supports the
continuation of careful scrutiny and rigorous testing of all new products
including those derived from biotechnology. This will ensure that Canadians
have access to a safe, nutritious and abundant supply of food.

``We continue to have confidence in Canada`s regulatory regime. Increasing
its stringency only strengthens our world-class system,`` said Ms. Curry.

FCPMC encourages Canadians to learn more about foods from biotechnology
by calling the Food Biotechnology Communications Network at 1-877-366-3246.

The Food and Consumer Products Manufacturers of Canada represents over
180 Canadian-operated member companies, providing consumers with an array of
food and consumer products that are integral to daily life at home, work and
leisure.