Feature story - March 10, 2008
Gordon Campbell is a biohazard to British Columbia for his continual refusal to label genetically engineered products, says Greenpeace, which today organized the province's first annual GE Free Day
Greenpeace is demanding mandatory labelling of GE foods and products. More than 40 countries already enforce this, including Russia, China and the UK.
Greenpeace volunteers, dressed in contamination suits andmasks, "quarantined" the premier's office this morning with yellowhazard tape while holding signs that read "What's in Your Food? Demandthe Right to Know!"
More than 70 per cent of allproducts on grocery store shelves in B.C. today are tainted by geneticengineering, yet the provincial government, under the direction ofPremier Campbell, has yet to take action. Greenpeace is demandingmandatory labelling of all GE products and is advocating for citizenswho have so far been denied their right to this information.
"British Columbians have waited sevenyears for Gordon Campbell to label genetically engineered foods, whicheven his own Provincial Health Officer has warned could pose seriousrisks to the environment and human health," said Josh Brandon,agriculture campaigner with Greenpeace. "Campbell's lack of policydirection is becoming a biohazard to the people of BC."
Mandatory labelling of GE products isalready enforced in 40 other countries such as China, Germany, France,Russia and the UK, but Canada has yet to follow suit. Greenpeacecreated GE Free Day to raise public awareness and will continue to holdthe provincial government to task until they commit to mandatorylabelling.