Contributed by Angela Cleveland

On Sunday, I had the pleasure of attending the screening of “Deconstruction Supper” – a film directed by Marianne Kaplan and hosted by John Bishop. The film investigated where our food comes from, the process of genetic engineering (GE), and the affects that this process has on a global scale. The turnout to this event was incredible – every seat in the auditorium was filled, with over 275 people in attendance! Watching the film and listening to the guest speakers and concerned attendees refreshed my knowledge on the issues associated with genetically modified organisms and, not only how they affect my family’s health, but also how they affect the many facets of our environment.

The main GE crops sold in Canada are soybeans, canola, and corn. These 3 ingredients show up in a HUGE percentage of processed foods found in the grocery store, such as breads, chocolate, pop, and many packaged foods. Check your labels – you may be surprised!

So what are the long-term effects of GE foods? That’s part of the problem – nobody knows! These products have not been around long enough to determine the effects these crops have on our health and our environment, or their ethical and economic consequences. In addition to the concern of allergic reactions to these products, many are also worried about the potential loss of genetic biodiversity in our crops as well as the very real danger of contamination of organic crops (or even non-GMO conventional crops) by accidental cross-pollination.

Despite how we feel about GE products, we, as consumers, are not able to make the choice for ourselves. Currently, there is no mandatory labeling program in North America. Therefore, we must fend for ourselves. If you want to avoid eating genetically engineered foods, there is only one way: eat certified organic foods! All organic certification programs prohibit the use of genetically modified seed sources, so although the risk of cross-pollination exists, you can be sure that organic farmers are not allowed to plant GE seeds. Until we have labels on our food, this is our guarantee. So, this week, enjoy your basket of fresh, organic, and non-genetically engineered food with a new appreciation!

What else can you do right now to ensure that your food is free of GE ingredients? First of all, don’t be afraid to ask your grocer or even to call the 1-800 numbers listed on food products to ask them specifically if they can guarantee that a certain item is free of GE products! Secondly, now is a great time to choose whole foods, with minimal processing – not only are they better for your body, but they offer you a much greater degree of control over what exactly you are eating! And, if you’d like to go one step further, you may even want to write a letter to your local MLA or to our MP to let them know how you feel about genetic engineering and ask that they support the growing consumer demand for mandatory labeling.

If you would like more information about genetically engineered products, you can contact the following:

Brewster and Cathleen Kneen

Phone: (250) 675-4866
Email: ramshorn@ramshorn.bc.ca
Website: www.ramshorn.bc.ca

Greenpeace
Phone: 1 800 320 7183
Email: Canada.member.services@yto.greenpeace.org
Website: www.greenpeace.ca

The film “Deconstructing Supper” will be playing again at OUC (North Kelowna Campus) as part of the World Community Film Festival between February 28 and March 2nd (check website for details: www.oucfilmfest.bravepages.com).

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