Coalition of farmers and environmentalists say transparency is needed ahead of market release of GE pigs
Tuesday, February 24, 2026. (Ottawa) Farmer and consumer advocacy groups are calling on the Minister of Health to urgently implement mandatory labelling of all genetically engineered foods and fulfill Health Canada’s new commitment to “the highest level of transparency” in relation to a genetically engineered pig that the department recently approved for human consumption.
Today, the groups wrote to the Minister of Health asking for urgent action. The letter was sent by the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network, the National Farmers Union, the Quebec network Vigilance OGM (GMO Watch), Kids Right to Know, and Safe Food Matters.
“The minister must act quickly to ensure genetically engineered pork in Canadian grocery stores is clearly labelled,” said Lucy Sharratt, Coordinator of the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network.
Mandatory labelling is especially urgent because Health Canada has approved genetically engineered pigs and tomatoes that could be sold as soon as this year, but consumers won’t be able to distinguish natural from genetically engineered products sold in stores.
The coalition says the Minister of Health is not fulfilling the government’s commitment to transparency. Health Canada stated on January 23, 2026, that, “The company and Health Canada are committed to the highest level of transparency and will communicate to the public when this new technology enters the Canadian market.”
“Health Canada says it’s committed to the highest level of transparency but that means mandatory labelling,” said Sharratt. “We ask the health minister to act now for transparency.”
The coalition has opposed the government’s current preference for ineffective voluntary labelling instead of regulating mandatory product information for consumers. Concern has increased because of the planned April 2026 closure of the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB), announced in the 2025 federal Budget. The arms-length agency houses the standard for the “Voluntary Labelling and Advertising of Foods That Are and Are Not Products of Genetic Engineering.”
“The government’s referring Canadians to voluntary labelling while dismantling the institute that houses that labelling standard,” added Sharratt, referring to Health Canada’s statement and the Government of Canada’s January 26th response to a petition for mandatory labelling.
Mandatory labelling is supported by 83% of Canadians according to a recent poll, and this high level of support is consistent across all public opinion polling since 1994.
For more information: Lucy Sharratt, Coordinator, Canadian Biotechnology Action Network (CBAN), c. 902 209 4906, coordinator@cban.ca, www.cban.ca/labelling
