Kelowna

Protesters gathered at the sails in downtown Kelowna Sunday afternoon to rally against the use of genetically modified organisms.

Approximately 100 people attended the rally, organized by the True Food Foundation, in support of bill C-474.

The bill would require an analysis of potential harm to export markets be conducted before the sale of any new genetically engineered seed is permitted.

"Scientists are playing God. These are permanent changes to our food system that can never be undone," says Heidi Osterman, president and founder of the True Food Foundation.

Genetic modification of foods doesn't just harm Canadian export markets and crops, it harms humans, says Osterman.

Osterman says the health studies of genetically modified products are done in house by the bio technology corporations, which leaves the consumer at risk.

"That's like letting Charles Manson do his own psychological evaluation. We are the guinea pigs," says Osterman.

"Canadians are eating in the dark. Sixty six per cent of people don't even know the food has been modified. We're all eaters at the end of the day, it doesn't matter which way you vote or if you're rich or poor."

If bill C-474 is passed, it could potentially stop genetically engineered wheat and alfalfa.

The bill was introduced by Alex Atamanenko, the NDP Agriculture Critic and MP for British Columbia Southern Interior.