Second Discovery of Genetically Modified Wheat in Northwest U.S. Strengthens Canadian Bakery's Call for Mandatory Wheat Testing

ABBOTSFORD, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Oct. 7, 2014) - Organic bakery Silver Hills has renewed its efforts to lobby for GMO (genetically modified organism) contamination testing in Canadian wheat crops. This follows the recent discovery of a second unregulated stand of genetically engineered wheat in the U.S. northwest, this time in Montana.

Although GMOs are government approved in crops such as corn, canola, sugar beets and soybeans, GMO wheat has never been approved in either Canada or the US. In May 2013, 100 acres of GMO contaminated wheat were discovered in Oregon, sparking fears of cross-contamination and triggering boycotts by the EU, Japan and South Korea. Subsequently, Japan has stopped imported wheat from the northwest while South Korea and the EU have implemented stringent testing procedures.

"At Silver Hills, we believe everyone has a right to know what's in their food and to choose whether or not to eat food that has been genetically engineered," says Stan Smith, President of Silver Hills Bakery. We're concerned that uncontained genetically engineered crop testing appears to be more widespread throughout the US than previously believed and current testing methods don't restrict the potential of cross-contamination with neighboring non-GMO crops. This has profound implications on consumers and organic bakeries in North America."

As a Non-GMO Project Verified Member, Silver Hills conducts rigorous third-party testing on every single lot of wheat they receive to assure customers their bread is completely free from GMO contamination.

"We feel strongly that Canada needs to start protecting its food sources from contamination right now," says Smith. "Because once the genie's out of the bottle, you can't put it back. Mandatory testing is the best way to ensure our food crops stay natural."

Since 1989, Silver Hills Bakery has been an innovator in Canada's bread industry, producing products crafted from organic, non-GMO sprouted whole grains. From the outset, the company has been dedicated to educating consumers and inspiring healthier living through healthier choices.