May 18, 2000 / from a press release
MARKHAM, ON -- Consumers who truly want to know what is in the foods they are buying will need to shop at their local health food store.
Canadian health food stores are refusing to cover up references to genetically modified-free (GM-free) products on their shelves. This is in response to the Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors new requirement for its members that labels indicating a product is free of genetically-modified ingredients must have a sticker covering that information.
"Canadians have a right to know what is in, or not in, the foods they buy," said Donna Herringer, President, Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA). "We refuse to hide information from our customers by applying stickers over GM-free labels."
The Canadian Health Food Association is lobbying for mandatory labelling of all genetically modified foods. The CHFA strongly agrees that the government should develop national standards, but this process is not moving forward at a pace that meets the needs of Canadian consumers.
"The Canadian public is concerned about the effects of genetically modified organisms on their health and the environment," said Herringer.
"Canada's health food stores are in the process of creating labeling and signage that will identify foods that are free of genetically modified ingredients in order to provide consumer choice."
Canadians concerned about whether the foods they are eating contain GMOs should look to purchasing organic products from their local health food store.
Products certified organic must be free of genetically-modified ingredients.
Now -- in health food stores only -- certain products will indicate this clearly on their labels.
(posted without permission)
