Genetically modified (often referred to genetically engineered) foods have been on store shelves in North America for years, but many North Americans are unaware of this fact. Without mandatory labelling of GMOs it is difficult to know what is in our food. Ottawa and the American FDA claim that GM foods don't require labelling as, in their respective opinions, the foods are safe for human consumption. Many countries mandate labelling, and in some cases ban GMOs.
At a recent ElderCollege presentation, Dr. Robert Blair, a professor emeritus in UBC's Faculty of Land and Food Systems, spoke to a packed room at Cedar Park Church on the safety of GMO foods for human consumption. Blair proclaimed that from a scientific point of view GMO foods are safe. Canadian corn, soybeans, canola and sugar beet crops are genetically engineered, apparently, but since humans eat few corn and soy crops directly (as they are grown for animal feed) and since we apparently don't eat canola and sugar beet directly we need not worry about these.
We learned that rennet used in many cheeses is a GE product, as is insulin. Hawaiian papaya, a much-loved food, is a GMO food and, as I alluded to in previous articles, other U.S. produce is genetically engineered as well. If, as scientists on both sides of the border proclaim, GM foods are safe for human consumption then why are so many citizens concerned?
Might it be the expected approval by the FDA of genetically modified salmon or the recent discovery of Roundup Ready wheat in an Oregon field of corn (even though the wheat hasn't been approved for U.S. farming)? Or might it be the B.C. trials of a genetically engineered apple in Summerland, an apple that will be given a gene to prevent it from browning when cut? Questions arise as to what will happen to our wild salmon stocks? How does genetic engineering affect bees? Can allergic reactions occur due to gene transfers? Recently when a gene from a Brazil nut was engineered into soybeans (not labelled of course) people allergic to nuts had serious reactions to the altered product.
Without a doubt this is a controversial issue and one I believe will not disappear any time soon, especially as consumers demand the right to know what is in food. Some municipalities want a ban on growing GMO crops, but not Delta. Surely everyone deserves the right to make an informed choice. If as believed by Dr. Blair genetically engineered foods are safe no company should fear labelling.
Jean Wightman, a longtime Tsawwassen resident, is an environmental advocate who strives to learn about 'green' issues, including ways to improve recycling and reduce waste.
