GMOs and Natural Health Products

May 27, 2010

Many constituents have communicated to me their concerns over GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) as well as restrictions to natural health products.

Through research, modern science has produced seeds that are genetically modified to be resistant to insects, disease as well as to heartier seeds that produce higher yields for the farmer. Not all scientists have embraced altering the genetics of food products.  Some feel the long term effect of these products on human consumption is not known. The European community has outlawed the use of GMOs.  Personally, I have concerns.  I know GMOs have increased production and aided the effort to feed the world.  But is it safe?

I find today’s science not as precise as we once were led to believe.  One important necessity needed is labelling.  People have the right to know what is in their grocery cart in order to make the decision to consume products that have been genetically modified or not.  I am in favour of having all food products labelled so that we can make an informed choice. 

The testing and labelling of natural food products is also an important consumer issue. Just because a label states it is a natural product, does not, in my view, mean the product is safe. Our government is trying to ensure natural health products are tested. This is important as some natural health products mixed with pharmaceuticals can prove to be fatal.  Also, some natural health products have not actually produced positive outcomes they have alleged to achieve. The challenge now for government is to test these products in a timely fashion, and ensure products are labelled correctly.  Labelling also needs to identify any products that are mixed with other drugs or vitamins.

I am a ‘seeds and nuts’ kind of guy.  I don’t take pharmaceuticals unless I have no other option, like dealing with pain and changing diets.  So I support natural health products and want to make certain they are accessible as well as safe.

I will not support any actions that would unreasonably restrict public access to natural health products as long as they are properly labelled and tested.

There is no government conspiracy on policy regulating GMOs’ or natural health products.  I am, as are others, trying to sift through the politics of modern science and make the safest and most practical regulations dealing with these issues.

Whether it is the causes of global warming, the issues around wild and farmed fish, or the safety of GMOs’ in agriculture, I am trying to work around the polarized politics of science and focus on the facts of scientific review.  I cannot say I am asking for more knowledge, but more wisdom as I seek to represent my constituents on these very important issues.  In the future, when I vote on these issues, I will try to communicate to you why I have taken a certain position.

Colin Mayes, MP
Okanagan -Shuswap