NDP call for GMO labeling gains momentum, widespread support

Industry organizations, consumer advocacy groups, prominent environmentalists and food retailers agree that people have a right to know if they are consuming GMO’s.

Endorsements have poured in for the NDP motion, introduced by MP Murray Rankin (Victoria), calling for the mandatory labeling of food products containing ingredients that have been genetically modified.

“For a decade now, polls have shown that nearly 90 percent of Canadians support labeling genetically modified foods,” said Rankin. “Even a Health Canada report on food labeling released this week determined that Canadians want the government to act on GMO labeling.”

Motion M-480 has been endorsed by the National Farmers Union, David Suzuki, Nature Québec, the Canada Health Food Association, Option Consommateurs, Union des Consommateurs, the Organic Trade Association, Choices Markets and many more.

“The support this motion has received sends a clear message that it is time for Ottawa to finally catch up with what 9 out 10 Canadians want and 64 other countries already do, and label genetically modified foods,” said Rankin. “The state of Vermont passed GMO labeling legislation just last month. People understand that consumers have a right to know what they are buying, but for years, Conservative and Liberal governments haven't listened – now it’s time to act.”

A full list of organizations that support the motion is available at: http://murrayrankin.ndp.ca/gmo-right-to-know