Japanese officials are in Canada this week to follow up on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s confirmation of an isolated case of genetically modified wheat plants growing in southern Alberta.
Japan halted purchases of Canadian wheat on Friday, the day after the CFIA said a limited number of glyphosate-tolerant wheat plants were found growing along an oil site access road in southern Alberta last summer.
The CFIA says none of the wheat entered the grain handling or seed production system.
The temporary suspension of imports by Japan until it has conducted its own investigation is viewed as standard protocol for the country. Officials from the Japanese government have since flown to Canada, and met with representatives from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Canadian Grain Commission.
On Wednesday, the Japanese officials met with Cereals Canada and other grain industry representatives.
Canadian grain industry officials say they expect the Japanese officials will be reporting their findings back to Japan’s health and agriculture ministers, where it’s anticipated a decision will be made on resuming wheat imports from Canada.
The CFIA has also shared a validated test for the GM trait with Japan’s government.
South Korea followed Japan’s lead in halting imports of Canadian wheat, and is expected to follow Japan’s lead in resuming imports.
Related:
- Japanese officials to visit after suspending shipments of Canadian wheat
- What we know (and don’t know) so far about the GM wheat discovery in Alberta
- Unapproved GM wheat plants discovered in Alberta
- We Need More Research on the Public Acceptance of GM Wheat, Says CEO
