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No clear-cut solution to GM labelling debate

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Published: October 24, 2002

The balancing act between the public’s right to know about genetically

modified food and the practicalities of food labelling is an ongoing

challenge.

A growing list of manufactured products contain GM ingredients but so

far, no labelling standards are in place.

“We think 70-80 percent of the food supply contains genetically

modified ingredients due to corn, soya and canola,” said Laurie Curry,

who represents food processors and manufacturers.

“The issue of biotechnology is the biggest consumer trust issue that

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food manufacturers have ever faced.”

Speaking at the recent CropLife Canada meeting, she said that in 1999

Greenpeace demanded mandatory labelling and a moratorium on GM food.

Neither has happened.

She said progress stalled because groups such as the House of Commons

agriculture committee and the food manufacturers want voluntary labels,

while other groups want mandatory labelling.

Curry said public education is needed to build consumer confidence in

food and the Canadian food regulatory system.

“The government needs to stand behind the strength of their regulatory

system,” she said.

There are 353 pieces of federal and provincial legislation governing

food processing and packaging.

“Everyone must understand whatever goes on a label, we are bound by law

to prove. If we are going to say a product is genetically modified or

derived from biotechnology, we have to prove it.”

Identity preserved ingredients would be required to provide full

disclosure, she added, but that could raise food prices.

As well, Ottawa needs to assess trade implications, because mandatory

labels in Canada could violate the North American free trade agreement.

The Canadian General Standards Board, whose members include food

processors, grocers, crop protection groups and agriculture, said

labels must be informative, understandable, verifiable and not false or

misleading.

“We want to make sure whatever labelling does come into place, those

five principles can be verified and can be enforced and provide

reasonable information to the consumer,” she said.

If the standards board fails to set standards, the government is likely

to step in and force mandatory labels.

She suggested that a labelling pilot might work.

A recent poll told the standards board that nearly half of consumers

view a label as a warning and 25 percent are less likely to buy a

labelled product carrying information about GM ingredients.

In addition, 87 percent said food containing GM ingredients should be

labelled. About a quarter of those queried said they would not buy

products containing GMOs and about half said the use of these products

is unacceptable.

About the author

Barbara Duckworth

Barbara Duckworth

Barbara Duckworth has covered many livestock shows and conferences across the continent since 1988. Duckworth had graduated from Lethbridge College’s journalism program in 1974, later earning a degree in communications from the University of Calgary. Duckworth won many awards from the Canadian Farm Writers Association, American Agricultural Editors Association, the North American Agricultural Journalists and the International Agriculture Journalists Association.

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