QUESTION PERIOD — Health
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
February 12, 2026
Senator Moreau, recent events have prompted me to once again raise the issue of the origin of the food we put in our grocery carts.
On January 23, Health Canada quietly authorized the sale of genetically modified pork, a first in the country’s agri-food history for a farm animal intended for human consumption.
As in the case of cloned animal meat, which I raised here last November, we are once again seeing a lack of transparency from the department.
In your opinion, what justifies this approach? Is the department afraid to inform consumers who simply want to know the truth about decisions that may affect the food they buy?
Thank you for your question, Senator Verner. I know this is an issue close to your heart, as this is the third time you have raised it. As a result, I dug a little deeper.
Health Canada has been analyzing genetically modified foods for over 20 years now. To date, 180 genetically modified food products have been approved because, according to Health Canada’s research, they have been found to be as safe and nutritious as conventional foods.
I know that one of your questions was about the labelling of these products. Health Canada’s policy is to require specific labelling when food products pose a risk of causing allergic reactions, when there is a change in the composition of the food or when there is a change in the nutritional quality of the food.
On January 30, duBreton, a well-known company in Quebec, spoke out against Health Canada’s decision not to impose mandatory labelling so we are all informed about the origin of genetically modified pork.
These products will be on the market by this summer. Can you ask the minister to review the department’s decision and impose mandatory labelling in the name of food transparency?
As I told you, mandatory labelling exists for foods in the three scenarios I mentioned, whether they are genetically modified or not.
You’re asking me to bring the matter to the minister’s attention for review. I will do so with pleasure, Senator Verner.
