Canadian Alert on Genetic Engineering
Farm Folk City Folk
Society Promoting Environmental Conservation

VANCOUVER A public demonstration against genetically engineered foods will take place on Sat. Dec. 1, 2001 at the Extra Foods store in Denman Place mall, 1030 Denman Street, Vancouver. Concerned consumers will enter the store and place warning labels on numerous products which may contain genetically engineered ingredients.

"An overwhelming majority of people want to know what's in the food they eat, and many are disturbed by the far reaching implications of genetic engineering," said spokesperson, Scott Nelson. "The federal government and the Canadian food industry can expect increased consumer pressure" he added.

Although public opinion polls consistently show over 90 per cent of Canadians favour labeling of GM foods, the federal government and the food industry are taking no action on making labeling mandatory.

"Understanding of genetic modification is still in its infancy," said Herb Barbolet of FarmFolk/CityFolk, "and there is just too much uncertainty about what researchers are really attempting to do. They say they are looking for ways to feed a hungry world, prevent disease, or create beneficial new technologies. While such purposes are good in theory, the competitive ethic and the pursuit of profit routinely distort them. The corporate policies of companies such as Monsanto show that the food production giants are not shy about hijacking our God-given right to feed ourselves."

Peter Bromley from the Society Promoting Environmental Conservation (SPEC) maintains that the public must have a say in this process, especially since it has such an impact on public and environmental well-being. "Our choice as consumers is a powerful tool to influence ethical standards, and we must be allowed to use it," he added.

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Information:

Scott Nelson 604-618-5227
Herb Barbolet - Farm Folk / City Folk: 604-730-0450
Peter Bromley - SPEC 604 736-7732

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