Almost a year ago, over one hundred countries worldwide agreed to new labeling guidelines for foods that contain genetically modified ingredients. These new labeling regulations will make it easier (or mandatory for thirty five countries of the one hundred) for manufacturers to state on their label that any particular item was produced using a genetically modified organism. Canada was not one of the one hundred countries.

Currently, approximately seventy percent of processed Canadian foods contain genetically modified organisms, mainly in the form of corn or soy. Although such a high percentage of items on grocery shelves contain GMOs, it is still incredibly difficult for consumers to gain any information on what specific ingredients have been genetically engineered. In 2001 liberal MP Charles Caccia brought a bill to parliament that would have required all genetically engineered foods to be clearly labeled. The bill was shot down for reasons of insufficient evidence relating to the necessity of GMO labeling.

Health Canada’s position is that foods containing GMOS are just as safe as those that do not and as such do not need to have designated labels. According to Health Canada’s website “every new GM food product must undergo a rigorous pre-market safety assessment before it is allowed to be sold in Canada.” While Health Canada may be comfortable allowing GMO foods in the marketplace, many Canadians are not comfortable buying them. Polls have shown that Canadians prefer their foods to be GMO free.

Health Canada has stated that until GMOs prove to hold some type of health concern, specific labeling is unnecessary. Currently Health Canada requires foods that have been pasteurized and irradiated, to state so on their label, however neither of these methods of production have proven to hold any significant health concerns. Additionally, much of what is already contained on food packages is not about health or safety, but selling features like “fat free”, “organic” or “low sodium.”

Canadian consumers have the right to make informed decisions about the products that they are purchasing and feeding to themselves and their families.Like the one hundred other countries (including the United States), the Canadian government needs to be responsive to its population and make GMO labeling mandatory.