Your Guide to Organic and GMO Foods in Canada

Written by: Dietetic Interns and Registered Dietitians, Alberta Health Services

In Canada, we are faced with many food choices. Food labels like “organic” or “non-GMO” can make grocery shopping confusing. This article focuses on the health and safety of organic and GMO foods. It explains what these labels mean and how genetically modified and organic products are different from other foods. It also includes some healthy eating tips from Canada’s Food Guide.

What are genetically modified foods?

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are plants or animals that have had one or more of their features changed on purpose. Some of these changes can include:

Plants that are protected from insects or diseases
Food that stays fresh longer
Plants that grow with less water
The ability to grow more food to feed a growing population
Better taste
More vitamins, minerals, or protein

What does a non-GMO label

This label means that the product does not contain GMOs. Many non-GMO foods do not have these labels because it is optional. GMO foods are proven to be just as safe and nutritious as non-GMO foods.

Are GMO foods safe?

Scientists have researched the health and safety of GMO foods for over 20 years. Health Canada regulates both GMO and non-GMO foods are closely to ensure both are safe to eat.

You may have heard that GMO foods may cause allergies or stop antibiotics from working. There is no proof that GMO foods cause more allergic reactions or a weaker response to antibiotics.

Eating a variety of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains help prevent diseases like cancer and heart disease. Both GMOs and non-GMOs are healthy options, so you can choose which one you prefer.

What are organic foods?

Canada has rules for which foods can be called “organic”. Organic foods must be grown without:

Synthetic (human-made) fertilizers and pesticides
GMO seeds or animals
Non-organic feed
Growth hormones or antibiotics

Are organic foods safer than other foods?

All vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and protein foods are monitored by Health Canada to make sure they are safe to eat. Non-organic and organic foods both have similar amounts of vitamins, minerals, protein, and fats, but organic foods often cost more. Buy whichever you prefer.

How are other foods grown?

Many farms and growers use fertilizers to keep their plants healthy and strong. They may also use pesticides to protect their crops from harmful insects, disease, or weeds. There are strict rules in Canada about how much pesticide can be in or on the food sold in grocery stores. Scientists have found that small amounts of pesticides on food are not enough to cause harm. They continue to monitor and update the rules as needed to keep our food safe. Peeling and washing vegetables and fruit with water can help lower the amount of pesticide that remains on food.

How are antibiotics and hormones used?

Veterinarians work with farmers to treat animals with antibiotics to keep them healthy. They must follow rules to make sure that the antibiotics do not end up in the food we buy. All milk sold in Canada must be free of antibiotics.

In Canada, non-organic farmers can use growth hormones in cattle to help make leaner beef. Farmers must make sure that the amount of added hormones in beef stays within a safe limit. Hormones are not allowed in animals that produce milk, organic or not. Growth hormones are not allowed in poultry, pork or fish.

To eat healthy, choose a variety of foods from Canada’s Food Guide: