QUESTION PERIOD — Health
Sale of Food Derived from Cloned Animals in Canada
November 27, 2025
My question is for the Government Representative.
Many Canadians, myself included, were recently taken aback when media outlets revealed that Health Canada had very quietly authorized the sale of food derived from cloned animals without prior notice and without labelling, effective January 2026.
Faced with public outcry over this approach, the department has indefinitely suspended the implementation of this decision. Senator Moreau, do you find this lack of transparency acceptable to consumers who, more than ever, are concerned about the origin and safety of the food they put in their grocery carts?
Thank you for the question, Senator Verner. I checked with Health Canada.
Health Canada, in collaboration with other departments, applied a rigorous process in reviewing the scientific literature on foods made from cloned cattle and swine. The science underpins Health Canada’s conclusion that food products made from these animals and their progeny are as safe and nutritious as foods from traditionally bred animals. This is consistent with the interpretation of other trusted jurisdictions.
As you noted in your question, the Government of Canada has received significant input from both consumers and industry about the implications of this potential policy update. The policy update was suspended to provide time for further discussions with stakeholders and people wishing to comment before the policy is released.
As you mentioned, Health Canada based its decision on consultations held by email over a two-month period in the spring of 2024, though no final report was publicly released despite a commitment in that regard.
Can you make sure that the Minister of Health will take steps to have this report released quickly in order to set the record straight on the reasons for this controversial decision?
Senator Verner, I commit to speaking with the Minister of Health to ensure that the work related to the development of the policy is made public and that I’m able to get back to you on the nature of the consultations that will be carried out so that the policy addresses the concerns of Canadians, particularly with regard to transparency and food safety.
