Health Canada extends deadline of public consultation on higher herbicide concentrations in certain foods
Canadians can now comment on the federal government’s proposal to increase the amount of glyphosate herbicide residue allowed on legumes until Sept. 3, Health Canada announced Tuesday — up 45 days from the original July 20 deadline.
“This [extension] is based on the level of interest and number of received to date, in addition to delays related to the COVID-19 pandemic,” reads the Health Canada website.
Glyphosate, commonly sold under the brand name Roundup, is sometimes sprayed on crops in order to accelerate their harvest; by killing the crop, glyphosate causes grains and legumes to dry out more quickly. The practice is increasingly common in provinces such as Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
But the herbicide may be linked to cancer and environmental harm — although the extent of these risks is inconclusive.
Under the proposed change in regulations, traces of glyphosate residue on food may be up to three times higher than the current maximum allows, depending on the food.
- READ MORE: Higher concentrations of controversial herbicide glyphosate may soon be on your plate: here's why
Beans will go up from a tolerance of four to 16, and lentils from four to ten.
Health Canada usually gives the public 75 days to comment on proposed changes to pesticide and herbicide use in the country. The deadline was extended after reports from CTV Montreal and Radio-Canada reported on the glyphosate proposal earlier this week.
To comment on Health Canada’s proposal, please click here.
NOTE: A previous version of this story said that the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for glyphosate were increasing in wheat, barley and oats. Health Canada has since clarified that MRLs are not changing for these foods — rather, the government is changing the terminology for wheat, barley and oat by-products, which is why these foods were included in the consultation. The article has been adjusted accordingly.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Thieves use stolen forklift to rip cash machine out of U.K. bank
Police in the U.K. are searching for a group of suspects seen on video using a forklift to steal a cash machine from a bank.
'There was a lot of black smoke': Crane operator sounds alarm while trapped during highrise fire in Halifax
A tower crane operator alerted emergency crews after noticing a fire on a construction site in Halifax Tuesday morning.