Just look at what is happening in France and Europe. I think if we had one serious incident involving GMO or biotech food, our consumers would react exactly the same way. He was part of a panel speaking to the annual convention of the Canadian Fertilizer Institute March 13 about food issues. Chebat said industry and government regulators seem unaware of how deeply suspicious consumers have become about chemicals in their food, food safety and scientific tinkering to create genetically altered foods. But now, consumers have the impression that we are exploring very foreign lands.
People are very nervous, very anxious.
Nutritionist Josiane Cyr said Canadians need to be reassured. I think there is a real concern around safety here. I think being overprudent would be a good idea. She said many consumers have grown skeptical or cynical about the makers of food and the regulators. Chebat said there is a lack of clarity in the information available to consumers about the contents of the food they buy.