In a recent study by Dalhousie University, 70% of surveyed Canadians strongly agreed that genetically modified (GM) food and ingredients should be labelled on all packages. The rest of the results suggest that Canadians are unclear on the safety and benefits of GMOs.
Here were some of the study’s highlights:
· 37.7% believe them to be safe; 34.7% think they are not
· 35% believe we understand the health effects; 44% disagree
· Geographically, Quebec was most concerned (48%); Prairies were the least (26%)
· On different categories of food, Canadians would be less inclined to purchase GM fish and seafood compared to GM fruits and vegetables
When deciding on food purchases, the three most influential factors were (in order):
1. Price
2. Hormone/antibiotic use
3. Nutritional content
GMO status of the product was 6th.
“The results of this study show that Canadians are confused about GMO foods and that the public and private sector has to do a better job of educating consumers,” says Simon Somogyi from Dalhousie’s Faculty of Agriculture in a release.
1,046 people responded to the survey.
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