A move to make the labelling of genetically-modified foods in Canada mandatory has been defeated in the country’s parliament.
Draft legislation, promoted by New Democratic Party member of parliament Pierre-Luc Dusseault, sought to amend Canadian food and drugs legislation. Dusseault’s bill passed its initial stages, but was defeated in a final reading in the House of Commons on 17 May by 216 votes to 67.
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Dusseault expressed disappointment and was critical of fellow MPs, suggesting they had voted against the interests of their constituents. “Like most Canadians, I believe that we have a right to know what’s in the foods we’re eating,” Dusseault said. “I had hoped that my colleagues in the House would feel the same way.”
“Consumers want to have more information on the foods they eat, and my bill would have accomplished that,” Dusseault said.
A consumer survey, commissioned by Health Canada in 2016, indicated that 78% of Canadian consumers supported mandatory labelling of GM foods.
