Everyone's got an opinion on genetically modified (GM) foods, but when the Vancouver Coast Health Authority--the largest health agency in BC--weighs in on the side of mandatory labeling, that's news.

On July 3, 2007, John Blatherwick, Chief Medical Health Officer wrote to BC Minister of Health George Abbott that GM foods and seeds represent a "very important nutrition and health issue" and that we need a precautionary approach "to track and monitor the impact of [genetically modified organisms], and to provide consumer choice."

What is genetic modification?
GM foods are either whole foods or contain ingredients in which genes have been manipulated for a desired trait.

One well-known example is Monsanto's Roundup Ready soybeans, the seeds of which have been altered for resistance to the herbicide Roundup (also a product of Monsanto). Other "novel foods"--as GM foods are sometimes called--include corn, potatoes, rice, canola, soy, cotton and tomatoes.

As of November 2007, over 100 novel foods and processes have been approved since 1994 by Health Canada. 

An estimated 70 percent of processed foods contain GM ingredients. Given their prevalence, why the ongoing urge for precaution?

The US Food and Drug Administration pushed GM technology ahead in the early 1990s despite warnings that it was unsafe, says Jeffrey M. Smith, executive director of the Institute for Responsible Technology, in his book Seeds of Deception: The Truth about GM Foods.

Environmental risks
GM crops can and have contaminated non-GM crops. A very recent addition to the approved GM-food list in the United States, Rice LL601 by Bayer, has already globally resulted in contamination costs of US $1.3 billion, according to a November 2007 Greenpeace report.

GM crops not approved for human consumption can also contaminate food crops, such as what happened when GM maize approved for animal feed was found in US tortillas.

There have been 1421 cases of GM contamination worldwide, including nine in Canada in the past ten years.

Contrary to marketing claims, it has also been shown that farmers actually use more--86 percent more--herbicide on GM soy fields compared to non-GM soy.

Wildlife and animals who consume GM crops have fallen sick and died. More than 20 farmers in North America, for example, have reported that pigs and cows fed GM corn have traumatic conception and sterility issues.

Potential health hazards
Besides environmental concerns, potential human health risks associated with GM foods include allergic reactions, the development of antibiotic resistance, and the creation of toxins.

Actually, no long-term studies exist on the impact of GM foods on human health, an alarming fact that Blatherwick pointed out.

"Mandatory labeling of GMOs is a critical first step for monitoring the long-term effects of GMOs and providing a mechanism for recall should a problem ever develop," he wrote, adding that the current voluntary system in Canada is inadequate.

Canada lags behind times
More than 40 countries now require GM labels. "Canada is really falling behind the pack on this," says Josh Brandon, Greenpeace GM campaigner. 

"Seventy-nine percent of British Columbians, according to a December 2006 poll, want mandatory labeling," he adds. "A lot of organic farmers are really concerned about the possibility of contamination from GM crops."

Brandon thinks that with the upcoming spotlight on Canada due to the 2010 Olympics, now is the perfect time to pressure politicians for change.

"Athletes and tourists are going to be surprised that they won't know what's in the foods they're eating," he says.

Get involved
Greenpeace is on a petition drive, and they want as many signatures as possible. Download the petition at www.greenpeace.ca.

GE Free BC (www.gefreebc.org/), working with Greenpeace, is another resource for ways to stay informed.

When it comes to GM foods, consumers deserve the right to know, and the right to choose.

Health Action Network Society (HANS) supports public awareness of GM foods. HANS hosted an event with GMO expert Jeffrey M. Smith in fall 2006. DVDs, books and audios are available by calling 604-435-0512.

HANS (www.hans.org) is a national, non-profit organization that monitors and reports on health and environmental issues that affect Canadians. Annual membership is $35.

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