Canadians and "Frankenfoods"

Health Canada defines genetically engineered (GE) foods as products that have been modified by genetic manipulation. Fewer Canadians support genetic engineering (GE) for food application than five years ago, according to a new University of Calgary survey. Only 52 per cent of 1,500 Canadians recently polled were accepting of GE food, down from 67 per cent in 1997. In contrast, 80 per cent of respondents approved of biotechnology for medical use because it may lead to improvements in health care and ultimately save lives.

More than three-quarters of processed foods contain GE ingredients. Although Canada doesn't have a clear labelling program for GE foods, an estimated 75 per cent of Canadians want one. Japan and Australia have adopted mandatory labelling policies. The European Union approved legislation last July that demands strict labels for GE food and animal feed, a move that has heightened trade tension with the US and Canada, which export GE crops. China, too, representing the largest food market in the world, is experiencing anti-GE sentiment. Along with new mandatory labelling legislation, 32 top food producers in China have publicly announced their decision not to sell GE food.