Useful Talking Points on GE Foods

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Useful Talking Points on GE Foods

Genetic engineering is a relatively new technology, which allows us to alter the genetic make-up of an organism. In the case of food, genetic manipulation has allowed scientists to introduce genes from one species into the genetic make-up of a different species for a desired result.

GE foods have been in our grocery stores since 1996. Today, seven out of 10 processed foods in our grocery cart contain GE ingredients. This manipulation was done without our consent or knowledge. To date, no studies have been conducted to assess the long-term effects of GE foods on either human or environmental health. Scientists fear that inserting foreign genes into food could create new toxins or allergens. We do not know what happens when these newly created organisms are introduced into an eco-system or what happens to the people who consume them.

In 2001, the Royal Society of Canada reviewed the current regulatory framework for the safety assessment of GE foods in Canada. They found it to be grossly deficient and issued 53 recommendations. To date, none of these recommendations have been implemented yet Ottawa continues to review more applications for the commercialization of new GE foods. The Council of Canadians and your local chapter can help you learn more about genetically engineered foods and crops. Find out more information by visiting our website at www.canadians.org and going to the Biotech section, or by calling us at 1-800-387-7177.

Over 30 countries have or are in the process of implementing severe restrictions on GE food exports. There is mounting consumer resistance to the genetic engineering of our food supply, which has created an increasing demand for non- GE foods. This rejection has severely affected Canadian farmers.

Because of unforeseen legal ramifications with the environmental release of patented seeds, Canadian farmers are now at the mercy of corporations eager to protect their intellectual rights. Farmers victimized by GE contamination can be sued and lose their entire harvest.

Being able to preserve the integrity of our agricultural products could provide us with an opportunity to tap into a new non-GE market.

Because it is almost impossible to prevent GE contamination, allowing the cultivation of GE products can endanger our environment should these products found to be harmful in the future.

Until all of these environmental and human health concerns have been addressed, we need to put a moratorium on any further cultivation of GE foods in our community.

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