2. The Session was opened by Dr. George Paterson, Director General, Food Directorate, Health Protection Branch, Health Canada, who welcomed the delegates to Ottawa. Dr. Paterson reminded delegates that transportation networks and technological advances now allow foodstuffs to move from one continent to another, virtually overnight, creating a truly global marketplace and that consumers welcome this bounty but also expect it to be safe and wholesome. Dr. Paterson outlined the importance of the Committee in providing guidance on the labelling of foods to ensure the safety of consumers in this international context.
