64 countries around the world mandate labeling GMO food, and some European countries ban them altogether. Canada is not a stranger to the “Non-GMO project verified” label but recent regulations have further reduced the barriers to getting that label onto products. Where Health Canada is the regulatory body, the CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) is responsible for federal food labeling policies. You might be surprised to find out that the new “Non-GMO project verified” label does not equate to being GMO-free, the key is in the wording (project verified). This infamous label is categorized under voluntary labeling which is not related to the safety of the product. Consumer consensus is decisive in a product’s profitability but when they are not aware or informed of such details in the fine print it can contribute to a gross misinterpretation of the facts surrounding a product. When the majority of the public is under the notion that a product is superior to alternatives, it guilts them into spending more on an unrelated aspect rather than the product they paid for. It is a poor reflection on our regulatory bodies when consumers have to conduct strenuous research into necessities that are a part of our everyday life.
