MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 30, 2001

Loblaws removes GE-free labels this weekend: Memories of Consumer Choice?

(Ottawa) - The Council of Canadians will be back picketing at Loblaws* stores across the country next week, following the company's Saturday deadline for food manufacturers to remove GE-free labels. The deadline follows a Globe and Mail poll today showing 63% of Canadians would buy GE-free food if given the choice.

"Loblaws behaviour here is nothing short of shameful," said Nadège Adam, Biotechnology Campaigner for the Council of Canadians. "The health food suppliers' only crime has been to respond to public demand for GE-free food. The public wants a choice, and Loblaws is purposefully denying them that right."

Earlier this year, Loblaws issued a letter to all of its health food suppliers ordering them to remove all GE free labelling claims from their packages by September 1st, or they will lose their shelf space at Canada's largest food retailer.

The Council of Canadians is planning cross-country pickets at Loblaws-owned stores on September 8th, as part of its campaign against the food retailer giant on the issue of GE foods. Currently, genetically engineered ingredients can be found in up to 70% of pre-packaged foods, though they have never been subjected to long-term health and safety testing.

The Council of Canadians is calling on Loblaws to show their innovation and responsiveness by being the first grocery retailer in Canada to phase out GE foods.

"Instead of punishing health food companies for doing the right thing," said Adam. "Loblaws should direct their energies to the government to pass the mandatory labelling bill currently before parliament."

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* Loblaws is: Atlantic SaveEasy, Atlantic Superstore, Dominion (in Nfld), Extra Foods, Fortinos, independent, Loblaws, Lucky Dollar, Maxi, no frills, Provigo, shop easy, Real Canadian Superstore, SuperValu, Valumart, Real Canadian Wholesale, Zehrs Food Plus, Zehrs Markets and Cash and Carry.