Proposed food labelling rules draw criticism

Trying to consume more local goods? Product labelling guidelines don’t make it any easier. New rules governing food labelling are already facing criticism from experts who say they don’t go far enough and will still leave consumers in the dark. Although the federal government’s proposed changes to labelling rules will force companies to indicate that a product contains foreign ingredients, they still would not have to tell consumers where the goods came from or how much of the product is foreign.

Labelling has become a critical issue in recent years because consumers are more interested than ever in nutrition, safety, product ingredients and the origins of what they’re eating.

Details of the new legislation haven’t been finalized yet, but under proposed changes recently outlined by the government, companies would only be able to use a “Product of Canada” label when virtually all ingredients are domestic. The change means that if a product is manufactured or processed in Canada, “regardless of the origin of the ingredients, it could use a ‘Made in Canada’ label,” according to the government.

The similarity of the terms “Made in Canada” and “Product of Canada” may also confuse consumers who aren’t aware of the difference between the two designations. Although consumers may want to know the origin of all ingredients in a particular product, it could be too difficult and onerous for companies to list all of the countries on a label, Canadian Food Inspection Agency spokesman Marc Richard said.

Reliance on long-distance food damages rural economies and, with the huge quantities of fuel consumed and emissions spewed in transportation, contributes to global warming. Consuming local goods is greener and more energy-efficient and a great way to support the local economy. There’s also something to be said for consuming the food that grows in your climate; it may just be what your body needs most.

source