Genetic Engineering is a test tube science and is prematurely applied in food production.  A gene studied in a test tube can only tell what this gene does and how it behaves in that particular test tube. It cannot tell us what its role and behaviors are in the organism it came from or what it might do if we place it in a completely different species. 

Salmon genetically engineered with a growth hormone gene not only grow too big too fast but also turned green. These are unpredictable side effects, scientifically termed pleiotropic effects. 

We also know very little about what a gene ( or for that matter any of its DNA sequence) might trigger or interrupt depending on where it got inserted into the new host ( plant or animal). These are open questions about positional effects. And what about gene silencing and gene instability?

How do we know that a genetically enginereed food plant will not produce new toxins and allergenic substances or increase the level of dormant toxins and allergens? How about the nutritional value? And what are the effects on the environment and wildlife?  All these questions are important questions, most remain unanswered and others are gaining support through independent research. Until we have an answer, genetic engineering should remain in test tubes.  Biotechnology married to corporations tends to ignore the precautionary principle but it also ignores some basic scientific principles.

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD: Write the Canadian Food Inspection Agency , Minister of Agriculture and your MP