95.6 Marketing Bioengineered Food, Including Dairy Products
[Whereas,] Rationale:
At the present time there is an absence of proof of the safety to humans, particularly to infants and children, in the short-term and long-term effects of the use of bioengineered products. In the United States testing is being done, but it is so recent and in such limited quantity that it can barely be considered credible.
Of most immediate concern is the use of synthetic bovine somatotropin. It is being used in the United States and the milk from cows that have been injected with the synthetic hormone is mixed with other milk.
Thus, this synthetic hormone is being ingested unknowingly by millions of Americans. In Canada, it is possible that milk products, such as yogurt, which is imported into Canada and widely sold, may contain rbST.
In Canada, too, the manufacturers of rbST and other bioengineered products are clamouring to be allowed to sell these products. The health of Canadians is too important to allow the manufacturers of these new products to stampede the government into hasty action.
RESOLVED, That The National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada:
- To ban the sale of synthetic bovine somatotropin (rbST) in Canada and the sale of domestic and imported milk and milk products containing rbST until testing has determined that there are no harmful effects to the health of Canadians, especially to infants and children.
- To set in place strong and appropriate laws and regulations, as soon as possible, to ensure the safety thereof and to cover all aspects of the use of bioengineered products in drugs and food, before licensing these products for sale and use in Canada.
- To require, if and when drugs and food containing bioengineered products are to be sold and used in Canada, that they be clearly labelled to identify their contents and the fact that they are bioengineered.