US push for Franken-food to remain anonymous
Image: On the farm and in the kitchen, genetically engineered crops remain a controversial topic in Australia.
True Food Network, a group representing some of Sydney’s most esteemed chefs, is raising alarm over attempts by a United States industry group to block the introduction of mandatory labelling of genetically engineered produce.
Greenpeace campaigner and spokesperson for the True Food Network, Laura Kelly,told the City Hub that a US biotech industry group is lobbying federal Trade Minister Simon Crean to abandon policy that would see all GE produce clearly labeled on supermarket shelves.
On the farm and in the kitchen, genetically engineered crops remain a controversial topic in Australia.
Camps are split, with some toting the potential benefits of GE produce and others warning against the negative health and environmental impacts linked to its consumption.
Serge Dansereau, head chef at Sydney’s Regent hotel said there was no place for GM food in his kitchen.
“GM crops to me would certainly be an unwelcome introduction in Australia,” Mr Dansereau said.
The public appear to support Mr. Dansereau’s stance.
Polling by Greenpeace indicates 90 per cent of consumers want to see clear labelling on GE goods.
This opinion isn’t shared by the industry group, which claims compulsory labeling represents a false trade barrier and is against the spirit of Australia-America free trade.
The group is calling for an end to localised health testing of GE produce, claiming the requirements create an undue regulatory burden on business.
The Australian Fair Trade and Investment Network is critical of the move to block mandatory labeling and says the Australian government should put the health of its citizens before the profits of multinational corporations.
