On April 9, 1996, Health Canada and Agriculture Canada approved a genetically modified soybean to be handled, stored, processed, and marketedwithout labelling in Canada. This soybean has been genetically modified to be resistant to the herbicide Glyphosate. This decision sets a dangerous precedent by allowing the soybean to be mixed with unmodified natural soybeans, also without labelling.

Ten reasons why we should take the sensible precaution of halting the introduction of genetically modified (GM) soybeans

1) Soybeans are used in a wide range of foods-approximately 60% of processed foods. Therefore its introduction will affect the whole population simultaneously.

2) Scientists say that genetically modified foods are not being adequately tested to assess short or long term health risks. Some previous mistakes with GM foods caused serious illness for hundreds of individuals and even death.

3) The fact that this soybean will be introduced into the food chain

without labelling means that it will be very hard to trace any health problems should they arise.

4) The products will not be labelled and therefore consumers will no longer be able to chose what they are eating. In a 1994 Optima survey commissioned by Industry Canada, 83-94% of Canadian consumers wanted clear labelling of GM food.

5) Agriculture Canada is relying on inadequate safety research. Moreover, this research is not independent. The research has been conducted by the company which has developed the soybean and which is marketing it, and therefore has a commercial interest in its acceptance.

6) The new soybean contains genes from an agrobacterium which is resistant to Glyphosate-a herbicide. Unnatural genes in a plant may lead to unexpected effects.

7) Contrary to some biotechnology promotional literature, the herbicide resistant properties of the soybean will allow for increased use of herbicides by farmers.

8) Any increase in Glyphosate use will lead to increased herbicide illness, contamination of food, soil, and water, toxicity to animals and plants, & reduced soil fertility.

9) Unlike chemical or nuclear pollution, gene pollution cannot be cleaned up; genetic contamination gets passed on to all future generations of a species.

10) Widespread use of genetically engineering interferes with natural gene selection processes, reduces biodiversity, and may permanently disrupt the ecology.