The debate over how to label genetically modified foods has The debate over how to label genetically modified foods has become a surrogate for the more fundamental dispute over whether gene manipulation should be allowed to continue in our food system. Canada has decided to endorse a voluntary GM labeling system, arguing that mandatory labels are impractical, expensive and unnecessary.
Critics denounce voluntary labels as a cave-in to industry.
They want all foo ds containing GM ingredients labeled. In this special report, The Western Producer's Brian Cross examines the controversy and consequences of the battle over GM food labeling. Since September 1999, the Canadian General Standards Board has been working to develop guidelines for voluntary labeling. But work on the guidelines has been slow and controversial. The executive director of the Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission says canola producers would have little to gain and much to lose if Canada adopted a mandatory labeling system for all genetically modified foods.