GM Foods: Our right to know.
For the first time, genetically modified (GM) food crops are being grown in Australia, posing potential risks to the environment and human health. However, there is currently no way for shoppers to ensure that their groceries are GM free, as labelling is not required for most products containing GM ingredients. Australians want GM food labelled for health, environmental and ethical reasons.
It is the policy of the Australian Labor Party to support the “comprehensive labelling of genetically modified food”. Further, the Federal Government promised not to approve the release of GM crops unless they could be proven “safe to health and the environment, and beneficial to the economy” based on “rigorous science”, “peer review”, and “public consultation”.
Canola is used in many foods and in animal feed. With NSW and Victoria now allowing GM canola to be commercially grown for the first time, the Federal Labor Government needs to deliver on these promises urgently.
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Dear Nicola Roxon,
Federal Minister for Health and Ageing
We, the undersigned, call on the Federal Government, to keep its promises and to protect public health and consumer choice by introducing, and strictly enforcing, legislation to ensure that:
· GM crops are only approved if they are proven to be ’safe beyond reasonable doubt’ using evidence from independent, long-term, published studies - measuring indicators relevant to human health.
· All GM foods are clearly labelled, including highly processed products such as oils, starches and sugars from GM crops; and meat, milk, cheese and eggs from animals fed GM feed.