January 22, 2012

Remember 'Food, Inc.', the documentary film that explored the mechanization and corporatization of the American food industry? Well Robert Kenner, the filmmaker behind that doc, is back with a short film called 'Just Label It', which he produced for the website of the same name, an advocacy site which is lobbying the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to enforce labeling on genetically modified and engineered foods. Check out the video below to learn more about why 'Just Label It' is lobbying for more openness around genetically modified foods.

Not everyone agrees that genetically modified foods should be labeled, however. This Ottawa Citizen article suggests that accurate labeling would be very difficult due to the varying definitions of GMO around the world, the question of whether certain processed foods like canola oil can be considered "genetically modified", and the challenge of accurately detecting GMO content. The authors go on to ask, "since the biotechnology products are nutritionally the same as their parental varieties, why should a special label be required?"

For more information about the current regulatory situation in this country visit Health Canada's website right here.

Related stories on Strombo.com:

Forks Over Knives: A Movie You Should See

Get on the Bus: Serving Food Deserts with Mobile Grocery Stores

Sources:

Food, Inc. Website

Just Label It

Ottawa Citizen on Genetically Modified Food Labelling