Canadians Expect Mandatory GMO Food Labelling

Dalhousie University Study

Canadians Expect Mandatory GMO Food Labelling

Consumer uncertainty abounds, but some Canadians are ready to embrace the advantages of genetic engineering in foods. They are still somewhat divided on whether they believe genetically modified foods are safe and healthy, but there is an overwhelming belief that GMO food products should be labeled, a new study from Dalhousie University shows. 

The preliminary results of the study, titled "Biotechnology in Food: Canadian Attitudes towards Genetic Engineering in both Plant- and Animal-based Foods", are published today. Researchers surveyed 1,046 people to measure Canadian attitudes towards genetic engineering in food, and assess trust toward food safety and the regulatory system in Canada.

According to dal.ca, an overwhelming 70% of survey respondents strongly agreed that GMO food and ingredients should be labeled on all packages. But respondents were divided on whether GMO foods are safe: 37.7% believe them to be safe; 34.7% think they are not. While 35% believe that we understand the health effects, more than 44% believe we do not.

Publication date: 6/13/2018