Farmers Feed Cities recently released the results of its Informed Food Philosophy Study, revealing that while 97 per cent of Canadians agree food choices are important to them, there appears to be several misconceptions consumers have when it comes to certain food choices.
Farmers Feed Cities, an agriculture awareness organization, focused particularly on hot food issues and farm related misconceptions.
“No matter the means of production, all food in Canada passes through the same rigorous testing by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), ensuring all food meets the same high safety standards,” said Jenny Van Rooy, campaign coordinator for Farmers Feed Cities.
“Farmers Feed Cities wants to ensure Canadians are basing the food choices we value on facts to create an informed food philosophy.”
When it comes to egg purchases consumers have several choices, three of which are: conventional, free range and free run. These classifications are defined by how the animals are housed, and not nutritional value.
According to the study, 81 per cent of Canadians that typically buy free run eggs believe the chickens producing them have access to the outdoors. However, in reality, eggs classified as “free run” means that the chickens can run freely within an enclosed space, not outside.
People are likely confusing this with the term “free range” – meaning chickens have access to the outdoors.
The study also reveals Canadians are more interested in buying local (86%) than organic (29%).
While the majority of Canadians (78%) realize that less than two per cent of Canadian farms are organic, only 44% are aware that the majority of organic food sold in Canada is actually imported.
Due to the lack of organic farms, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) estimates that imported products make up over 70% of the organic food consumed in Canada, making it hard to go both local and organic at once.
While food choices and availability in Canada are abundant, farmers feed beyond the cities.
To meet the needs of the world’s growing population, farmers are continually looking for ways to use technology to maximize yields, producing more food on less land.
Less than half (41%) of Canadians believe genetically modified food is safe for consumption. However, Health Canada assesses the safety of all genetically-modified foods sold in Canada.
Researchers are required to submit detailed scientific data for review and approval by Health Canada, before such foods can be sold.
In fact, according to Health Canada, it is a seven to ten year process to research, develop, test and assess the safety of a new genetically modified seed variety.
Organic and genetically modified foods are not the only areas Canadians lack the facts. Only 66% of Canadians are aware that meat and milk products must be tested before they can be sold in Canada and if they do not meet the industry standards with regards to antibiotics, and synthetic hormones they will be rendered unfit for consumption.
For example, the CFIA tests every shipment of milk that leaves the farm. If antibiotics are found in the milk the entire truck load will be discarded and the farm from which the tainted milk came will be fined and have to cover the cost of the discarded milk.
Additionally, the majority of consumers (67% to 69%) believe livestock tends to have either high levels of artificial hormones, antibiotics or vaccines which make their way into the food chain. In reality, high levels never reach consumers.
Like people, animals only receive antibiotics or vaccines when they are sick. The CFIA outlines a strict flushing period, testing for any traces prior to sale.
“There’s no better time to understand your food’s journey from farm to fork,” said Van Rooy.
“We’re excited to see Canadians of all ages are taking an interest in the food they eat. Now it’s time to bridge the gap between interest and knowledge, fostering a generation of informed food consumers,” he said.
For more information about food issues visit farmersfeedcities.com or follow @FarmsFeedCities on Twitter.
