GM activist: Australians are eating unsafe food

PERTH — A Canadian food safety expert, Dr Shiv Chopra, has claimed the US and Canadian governments are the most corrupt when it comes to unsafe food practices. Australia is not far behind.

More than 100 people gathered at Lotteries House in West Perth on June 20 to hear Chopra promote his new book, Corrupt to the Core.

The book examines dangerous food practices and explores the role multinationals play in putting pressure on governments to accept dangerous products.

It discusses the issues of genetically manipulated foods, pesticides and herbicides, hormones and antibiotics, and rendered dead animal wastes in food production systems.

Chopra played a critical role in banning a genetically engineered bovine growth hormone when he worked for the department of health in Canada.

The hormone is now banned in Australia and other countries. However, he and two colleagues have since been dismissed while trying to prevent the release of other dangerous products.

He recommended Australia follow the European model of food safety.

"Europe has banned hormones, antibiotics and rendered dead animal wastes from animal food production and grows very few GM crops", he said. "It also has transparent GM labelling."

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.