GM labelling courts controversy
labelling food free of genetically modified ingredients. But a
number of food processors say that the rules are so badly flawed
that they will be of no use to the majority of Canadians worried
about consuming genetically modified food.
For example, the Council of Canadians, a consumer group that has closely monitored the issue, believes that the voluntary standards are meaningless. The group argues that a cereal could be advertised as containing GM-free corn even though the rape seed - or canola - oil in the ingredient list is genetically modified.
In addition, critics also point out that the guidelines are voluntary. This means that no one has to declare genetically engineered ingredients are present. In Canada, as much as 5 per cent of a product may be genetically altered and still be called GM-free. In Europe, the threshold is just 1 per cent.
However, the Standards Council of Canada is widely expected to press ahead with publication of the new rules, entitled the Standard for Voluntary Labelling of Food Obtained or Not Obtained through Genetic Modification. Industry insiders expect organic food manufacturers to be the first to adopt the 'GM-free' label since most already meet the standard.
The initiative does have supporters. The Toronto Star reports that Canadian grocery store operators, who are on the front line of consumer demand for GM-free products, believe that the new rules will benefit consumers.
"We needed a national set of rules so consumers could make informed decisions on products that did or did not contain genetically engineered ingredients," said Jeanne Cruikshank, vice-president of the Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors. The council, which represents major supermarket chains, has been at the forefront of pushing through the process that led to development of the standards.
However, some doubt whether a national set of rules will actually help consumers make an informed choice over products that are GM-free. A new study from the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) in the US suggests that genetically engineered DNA is contaminating traditional seeds of three major crops in North America.
The organisation warns that if left unchecked, seed contamination could disrupt agricultural trade, unfairly burden the organic industry and allow hazardous materials into the food supply.
