In the report, CBAC identifies important opportunities to improve the management and coordination of Canada’s food regulatory system and facilitate informed choice through voluntary labelling and "single-window" access to information on genetically modified foods.

"There is no evidence that GM foods, approved under the current system for regulating novel foods, pose any greater health risk than other comparable foods in the market place; however, this is no reason to be complacent about future challenges," said Dr. Arnold Naimark, CBAC’s Chairman. "The fact that there are divergent views on a complex issue such as GM foods is not surprising, but this should not deter us from capturing the benefits of biotechnological innovation while protecting against potential harms."

In addition to facilitating informed consumer choice and improving the regulation of GM foods, the report supports the precautionary approach to evaluation and monitoring of potential longterm impacts. It also deals with other issues related to environmental stewardship, enhanced international cooperation and encouraging informed dialogue.

In preparing its report, CBAC took into account the results of its policy research studies, multistakeholder national roundtables, public opinion research and responses to its Interim Report.

Members were unanimous on all but two of the recommendations.

CBAC is a body of external experts in the fields of science, business, nutrition, law, the environment, philosophy, ethics and public advocacy, established by the Government of Canada to provide public policy advice on a range of biotechnology issues. CBAC reports to the federal ministers of Health, Agriculture and Agri-Food, Environment, Natural Resources, Fisheries and Oceans, Industry, and International Trade.