British Columbians have a right to know what they are eating. BC Attorney General Graeme Bowbrick's April 04 introduction of an act to require mandatory labelling of  genetically modified food (GMO) will enable consumers to choose foods that are not genetically modified.

"We are pleased that Victoria is serious about protecting the rights of all British Columbians on an issue as fundamental as food safety," said SPEC president David Cadman. "The first step in ensuring food safety is to implement mandatory GMO food labelling. The European Union, Japan, Australia and New Zealand already have labelling programs underway. BC and Canada are now playing catchup in establishing a fundamental consumer right."

The provincial government is asking for public feedback before setting up an advisory panel of industry, scientists and consumers to develop regulations and guidelines for mandatory labelling. The federal government, a significant funder of GMO research, is reluctant to introduce mandatory labelling and relies instead on voluntary industry labelling. In Europe volunteer labelling was rejected following intense consumer pressure. The North American GMO industry claims labelling is both unnecessary and too costly.

"Right now there are estimates that up to 70 percent of processed foods could contain GMO ingredients," said Cadman. "But without adequate labelling we will never really know. There is tremendous public support in British Columbia for GMO labelling."

SPEC's GMO-Free program already has the support of 12 Lower Mainland retailers including Capers Community Markets and Woodlands Natural Foods. A GMO youth event on April 11 at the Rage in Vancouver is expected to attract 1000 young people, rock bands, skateboarders, local members of parliament, MLAs and city councillors.