Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University has raised concerns that milk, eggs, and meat from cloned animals might soon be available in Canada without consumers’ knowledge. Charlebois, an expert in food and farming, highlighted his worries regarding Health Canada’s consultations on updating policies related to cloned animal products. Although the interim policy classifies these products as “novel foods,” there are concerns about the lack of mandatory labeling, which could affect consumer trust and market perceptions. Charlebois argues that without transparent labeling, consumers may not have a truly informed choice about the food they consume.
In Canada, concerns are growing over the potential introduction of milk, eggs, and meat products from cloned animals into the market without consumers’ knowledge. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, the senior director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, has raised alarms about this issue. Charlebois, a prominent commentator on food and farming, highlighted his concerns on July 2 through X (formerly Twitter), suggesting that recent consultations by Health Canada may lead to cloned animal products being marketed with minimal public awareness.
Consultation on Policy
Health Canada has been soliciting public and industry feedback on the issue of cloned animal products to update its policy on foods derived from cloned animals through somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). This consultation, which concluded on May 25, aimed to refine the ‘Policy on foods derived from cloned animals by SCNT and their progeny.’
The interim policy designates foods produced from livestock developed using SCNT as “novel foods” under the Food and Drug Regulations. This classification acknowledges that these products are derived from reproductive technologies not previously used in generating animals for food production and may result in significant changes to these foods.
Health and Safety Considerations
The public consultation summary paper emphasizes health and safety concerns. It concludes that “healthy cloned animals, their progeny, and derived products are no different from other sexually-reproduced animals” in terms of safety and characteristics. Based on the available scientific information, the impact of SCNT technologies on cattle and swine in Canada is not expected to differ significantly from conventionally-bred animals regarding food safety, animal health, and environmental impact.
Mandatory Labeling Concerns
Dr. Charlebois argues that, despite any forthcoming policies or legislation, the lack of mandatory labeling for cloned animal products could undermine consumer trust. He points out that the integration of cloned products might negatively affect consumer perceptions of entire food categories, similar to the backlash faced by genetically modified salmon. Charlebois also notes that the high cost of cloning technology might not lead to lower retail prices for consumers.
He criticizes Health Canada for potentially embracing technological advancements in the agri-food sector without fully considering consumer rights and preferences, deeming this approach “quite shameful.”
As Canada moves forward with its food policy updates, the debate over cloned animal products underscores a broader issue of transparency and consumer choice. The outcome of Health Canada’s policy review will be closely watched by both industry stakeholders and the public.
