Abstract

Consumption of foods labeled in certain ways entails an array of social, economic, political, and ethical considerations which go beyond the simple provision of sustenance. The extent of the relationship between food politics and the social construction of the self is analyzed in this thesis. Risk perceptions regarding genetically modified foods and the recent explosion in the significance of the organic food market are explored. Canadian food labeling regulations, corporate strategies for promotion of food biotechnology, and grocery merchants' strategies for the expansion of organic, free range, fair trade, and genetically modified food markets are evaluated through textual analysis. Semi-structured interviews are then conducted with experts in the fields of philosophy, natural science, and business to explore rationalities for consumption of these types of foods.