Mandatory or voluntary labeling of genetically modified foods: Consequences for the Canadian canola sector

A bioengineered food labeling law recently came into full effect in the U.S. making the U.S. the 65th country with a mandatory GM (genetically modified) labeling policy. In contrast, there is no mandatory labeling of GM foods in Canada, including the canola industry's food products' such as canola oil and meal, despite intensive public campaigning and 20 years of polling that consistently show that more than 80% of Canadians want these products labeled. This paper examines the economic impact of the new U.S.' and other countries' laws regarding mandatory labeling of GM food products on the Canadian canola sector' overall economy, and society. It also considers the case for mandatory labeling of GM food products in Canada. Policy implications are discussed, and several policy recommendations are made that could contribute to the canola sector's growth, potential improvements in individual wellbeing, and increased overall social welfare. This paper sheds light on the important but neglected issue of GM food labeling policy in Canada and its potential implications for the Canadian canola industry.