(Ottawa) A sudden change in Canada’s position on labelling genetically engineered (GE) foods has observers speculating on the impact of industry decisions. The UN body responsible for setting international food standards is in its second day of meetings in Ottawa. Just hours after food industry giants, Unilever and Nestle, announced that their UK operations would be "GE-Free," Canada backed down from its opposition to labeling GE foods.

"There’s a stampede away from genetically engineered foods," said Peter Bleyer, Executive Director of The Council of Canadians. "Canada has just woken up and smelled the coffee." Bleyer added that he expects food retailers and industry in Canada to pick up on this trend. "There is no way the industry can ignore public concerns in Canada. We expect these companies to give Canadians the same guarantees, not to treat us like second class customers."

Food giant Unilever announced yesterday that it would phase-out the use of GE foods in the UK. This evening, Nestle UK (which also produces for other European countries) announced that it would remove GE ingredients from its product line. The largest UK food retailers have all announced policies banning GE ingredients.

"Canada has steadfastly rejected labelling genetically engineered foods as such," Bleyer said. "Consumer demand in Europe has forced food companies to reject GE foods. Our government has backed away from its hardline position, rather than risk losing access to the valuable European markets. Canadians also have a right to know if they're eating GE foods," Bleyer concluded.

Canada’s shift in position occurred this afternoon at the Codex Alimenterius food labeling committee. Codex is a UN body that sets international standards for foods. Canada announced its opinion that "further work" was needed on this issue, and helped form a special working group. This represents a substantial change in the Canadian position. Nestle is represented on the Canadian delegation.