Who wants GMO foods?

The FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission is holding its Task Force meeting in Makuhari, Chiba this week. On the agenda is foods from genetically modified animals. No such foods are approved yet, but there is research on GMO salmon that could be in supermarkets unless consumers step up the protests.

A "safety standard" approved by Codex could pave the way for more GMOs, irregardless of ethical concerns or the concerns of people caring about animal welfare.

Under WTO, an agreement by Codex makes it difficult for national governments to ban GMOs. Others hope that a strong Codex standard can help countries in the developing world, to oppose imports from the U.S. and Canada, where most GMOs are cultivated.

Good to see that there was a pretty big demonstration yesterday outside the meeting venue in Makuhari, where governments discuss this issue. Many Co-op members, Consumers Union of Japan, farmers' groups and Korean activists participated in the rain. I especially want to mention Seikatsu Club, the Co-op that is fighting for better foods and environmentally friendly products. Japanese website with information about how to become a member here. Do join.

In September last year, I participated in the Codex meeting. Videos here. Frankly I was utterly disgusted by the lack of concern for ethics and animal welfare. Such issues are called "Other Legitimate Factors" and I wish more people would get involved in this debate, to consider what is "legitimate" in terms of scientific development. Are GM Food Animals Coming? ICTSD provides a good background on the debate.