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Genetically modified food forums slated for Nelson

BC Southern Interior MP Alex Atamanenko will be offering up some food for thought as he stops in Nelson as part of a series of forums to discuss issues surrounding genetic modification.

BC Southern Interior MP Alex Atamanenko will be offering up some food for thought as he stops in Nelson as part of a series of forums to discuss issues surrounding genetic modification.

The science of genetically modified foods is relatively new and according to Atamanenko, the government has been slow to react to the changes in the food industry caused by the introduction of genetically modified products.

According to a press release from Atamanenko, “The Canadian government has no mandatory labelling requirement for foods that contain GM products, and no tracking or monitoring of possible health impacts.”

The local MP will be joined by several guest panelists as he makes the tour, including Lucy Sharratt, the co-ordinator of the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network. She has been active in the area of genetically modified foods for the past 15 years.

“I am extremely happy that Lucy Sharratt has found time to visit our area,” said Atamanenko. “She is one of Canada’s foremost experts on genetically modified organisms, and worked very closely with us when I was drafting my Bill C-474 on the economic impact to farmers of genetically modified organisms.”

Abra Brynne, advocate for the production and consumption of local products and John Steinman, author, broadcaster and former producer and co-host of the radio program Deconstructing Dinner will also participate in the Nelson discussion.

The forums are intended to educate the public about what genetically modified foods are on the market, what is coming and what actions the public can take against the introduction of genetically modified foods. The Nelson forum will be held on September 19 at Nelson United Church Hall at 7 p.m.