The Issue of Labeling Genetically Engineered Foods in Canada

Abstract: This is an 11 page paper discussing the issue of labeling genetically engineered foods in Canada. Currently within Canada recent consumer polls have indicated that over 95% of Canadians want genetically engineered (GE) or genetically modified (GM) foods labeled as such. While this may appear to be a straight forward issue simply resolved with mandatory legislation, within Canada there are still no laws requiring labeling of genetically engineered food. Currently, businesses, the government and consumers seem to be at an impasse in regards to voluntary labeling which was introduced in 1999 and the possibility of mandatory labeling currently enforced in over 35 countries worldwide. While mandatory labeling should be introduced in Canada, consumers should also be aware that in order to do so, the federal government will have to implement a complex and costly monitoring process in order to enforce the legislation properly. In addition, because of cross pollination which has already occurred between genetically engineered crops and organic crops, most legislators feel that most labels would have to include the phrase

---

Catagory:

Subcatagory: Canadian Studies

---