87.6 Irradiation of Foods
Whereas
The Health Protection Branch of Health and Welfare Canada has proposed that food irradiation henceforth be regarded as a food process, thus removing the measure of consumer protection provided under the proof-of-safety requirements of existing food additive regulations; and,
Whereas
The symbol or logo recommended November 22, 1985, by Consumer and Corporate Affairs Canada Communiqué No. 50, be applied as a distinctive identification mark on all pre-packaged or bulk containers of irradiated foods, not only fails to suggest any association with the irradiation process but also may be considered to be deceptively similar to the logo of another well-known agency; and,
Whereas
The safety and wholesomeness of irradiated foods continues to be a matter of heated debate; therefore be it,
Resolved
That The National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to retain food irradiation under the present food additive regulatory mechanisms of the Food and Drug Act until definitive information is available on the risks and benefits that food irradiation may have on human health and environmental quality; and be it further,
Resolved
That The National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada, and in particular the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Consumer and Corporate Affairs, to make mandatory clear labelling on all foods that are treated with irradiation by means of the word irradiated and by an original and/or unique logo which symbolizes irradiation;
Resolved
The National Council of Women of Canada urge the Provincial and Local Councils of Women to study and become informed about the critical issues involved in the irradiation of foods.