Update: Canadian Genetically Modified Foods _ For Sale Soon in the EU

As reported in the July 3 issue of E-Tips, in May 2003, the US, joined by Canada and Argentina, had brought a complaint to the World Trade Organization (_WTO_) regarding European Union (_EU_) restrictions on the import of genetically modified (_GMO_) products. The action was brought in an attempt to force the EU to open its markets to genetically modified products grown or produced in the United States, Canada, and Argentina. In response to the action, the EU has recently approved legislation introducing tougher labelling of new genetically modified products. While this legislation opens the door to the sale of GMO foods in the EU, all products containing more than 0.9% of biotech material are required to be clearly labeled _This product is produced from GMOs_. The US has complained that the required labelling will be too expensive, prejudicial and constitutes an unfair trade barrier. Supporters of mandated labelling assert that consumers should have the ability to make informed choices about the foods being purchased. On a related side note, a recent University of Manitoba study, commissioned by the Canadian Wheat Board, has warned against the planting of genetically modified wheat due to the _unacceptable risk_ posed to the environment. The study concluded that the wheat could not be contained, causing the modified trait to easily pass between crops. Monsanto Canada, the producer of the wheat, has applied for a federal environmental safety assessment, and has promised to not put the wheat on the market until it is accepted by major export markets. It should be noted that Canada had originally become involved in the WTO action because of its inability to sell genetically modified canola grown in Canada to the EU. See the article Canadian Genetically Modified Foods - Not for sale in the EU in the July 3 issue of E-Tips. For more information, visit the WTO dispute index: http://makeashorterlink.com/?N2D823025. For more information about the WTO, visit: http://www.wto.org. For a copy of the University of Manitoba report, visit: http://www.cwb.ca/en/topics/biotechnology/report/index.jsp. Summary by: Sue Diaz