Canadians confused about GM foods, support mandatory labelling: study
HALIFAX — The vast majority of Canadians believe genetically modified foods should have to be labelled at the grocery store, according to a new study, which a researcher says shows most consumers are confused about the science behind their dinner plates.
In a recent survey, researchers at a Halifax university found that nearly 90 per cent of Canadians expressed some degree of support for mandatory labelling of genetically modified ingredients, but most respondents were unsure whether they had purchased an engineered food product.
Participants were split about whether the health effects of GM foods are fully understood, according to the study, which reflects the lack of understanding among consumers, said Sylvain Charlebois, a professor in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University.
“Most Canadians are confused about the safety health effects of genetically modified foods in general,” Charlebois said. “That’s really the one thing that came out. If you compare different results … there were contradictions from one question to another.”