You might recall that in my last two blog entries, I mentioned that Health Canada has given us Canadians an opportunity to voice our opinion on nutrition labels through their online survey. Have you participated in this survey yet? The deadline is just two days away --Wednesday September 11th. Here again is the link:
Here is how I responded to each of the questions.
Q. Which of these three approaches or combination of approaches would best help you select foods based on their sugar content? Please explain how.
A. I prefer them grouped, but I also need to know the source of the sugar, whether it's from Genetically Modified Sugar Beets, High Fructose Corn Syrup (made from Genetically Modified corn), or pure Cane Sugar.
Q. Would having the Nutrition Facts information for sliced bread always be based on 2 slices make it easier for you to compare between breads? Please explain.
A. No, a single slice is fine. But what I really want to know is if any of the ingredients in the bread are Genetically Modified. I want to know so that I can make the right purchase decision.
Q. Would having the Nutrition Facts information for breakfast cereals always be based on 1 cup make it easier for you to compare between cereals? Please explain how.
A. Yes it would be easy to compare if it is based on one cup. It would also be easy to compare if Genetically Modified ingredients were listed so that I can make an informed decision.
Q. Would the suggestions to improve the appearance of the list of ingredients on labels help you to read this information? Please explain why.
A. Yes, the revised list of ingredients is easier to read. However, it's still lacking in information that's important to me, which is whether or not the ingredients are Genetically Modified. I want to know this information so I can make an informed purchasing decision.
Q. What are the proposed changes you like the most about the Nutrition Facts table? Please explain.
A. Easier to read.
Q. What are the proposed changes you like least about the Nutrition Facts table? Please explain.
A. Lacking information about whether the ingredients are Genetically Modified or not.
Q. Please provide any additional comments you may have regarding the proposed changes to nutrition labeling.
A. We have the Right To Know what's in our food. For that to happen, we need Full
Transparency on the label, which includes whether or not the ingredients are Genetically Modified.
Canada, it's time to Take Action Now
It is not too late to exercise your democratic rights and voice your opinions. I may not be old enough to vote in the polls yet, but I am definitely old enough to vote at the cash register. I have also had the honour and privilege to speak with thousands and thousands of people across Canada about GMOs, and it's pretty clear. Canadians are deeply concerned about the profoundly damaging affects GMOs may have on our health, environment and the entire ecosystem. Since our government is so slow to take action, it's up to us to get things moving!
This is how YOU Can Take Action Today:
1.Voice your opinion about our government's proposed food labeling by SEPTEMBER 11, 2014 in this online survey: http://surveys-sondages.hc-sc.gc.ca/s/labelling-etiquetage2/?l=en
2.Sign my online petition asking Rona Ambrose to meet with me: http://www.change.org/gmolabeling.com
3.Directly contact the office of Rona Ambrose by ...
a.Download, print and mail our postage-free Food Safety Petition Card http://www.kidsrighttoknow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Food-Safety-Petition-1page.pdf to Rona Ambrose http://www.kidsrighttoknow.com/take-action/
b.Email: rona.ambrose@parl.gc.ca
c.Twitter: @MinRonaAmbrose
d.Posting a comment on her Facebook page: facebook.com/ronaambrose
e.Phone: (613) 996-9778