i d e a s   f o r   a c t i o n Genetically Engineered Food Earth Alert #3 June 1999 Take Personal and Political action to reach the goals of Earth Day. problem || personal action || political action m e m b e r s h i p get on our E group

	Problem In a report released in May, Cornell University scientists found that nearly half of the caterpillars of monarch butterflies in laboratory tests dies after eating the pollen of corn engineered with Bt (bacillus thuringiensis) bacteria to resist pests. This gene-altered corn, approved by the US government in 1995, now accounts for more than one-quarter of the nation’s corn crop. Genetically engineered corn brought with it the promise that a natural toxin would kill the European corn borer, increasing yields and making pesticides obsolete. What was not acknowledged was that corn pollen would be deposited on other plants bear corn fields and could be ingested by non-targeted organisms such as the larvae of the monarch butterfly. Corporations, such as Monsanto, which are producing genetically engineered products have completely failed to examine the consequences of these products including damage to local ecology and "pollution" of the environment. And, unfortunately, the FDA has failed to mandate any labeling of safety testing of genetically modified organisms. For now, at least, and maybe forever, this genie should be kept in the bottle. For more information, we’d suggest reading: The Biotech Century by Jeremy Rifkin.
	Personal Action Eat Organic Foods Because no labeling is currently required, the only sure way to avoid Genetically Engineered (GE) foods is to buy products which are labeled as organic or containing organics- and to ask your grocer to do the same. Foods to watch out for, in particular, include: Soybeans: including tofu dogs, cereals, veggie burgers, tamari, soy sauce, frozen yogurt, infant formula, protein powder, and soy cheeses. Corn: including corn flour, corn starch, corn oil, corn sweeteners, bread, cookies, cereals, flours, pastas. Canal Oil: which is found in chips, salad dressings, cookies, margarine soaps, detergents, soy cheeses, fried foods. Some states do have labeling for rBGH, a genetically engineered food hormone. Look for rGBH free dairy products. Obviously not all of this food carried genetically modified organisms, however, without labeling, the only sure way of avoiding them and sending a message to your grocer that you won’t eat genetically modified food, is to buy organic.
	Sign the Petition While an outright ban or moratorium may be necessary, scientists, organizations, political and business leaders are calling on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make sure, minimally that these products are tested before they enter the marketplace and are labeled, so that consumers can make an informed decision about what they purchase. Join with us in calling on the President and the FDA to secure testing and labeling. Circulate the attached petition to your friends and mail it back to us at Earth Day 2000. We will forward it to Washington, DC Consumer Right to Know Million Signature Campaign to Washington in ‘99 (Please print, circulate, and return completed signatures to Earth Day 2000, 11965 Venice Blvd., Ste 408., Los Angeles, CA 90066) Petition to secure the mandatory labeling of all genetically engineered foods. Submitted to the President of the United States, the USDA and the FDA. New substances are being introduced into our foods via a technology called genetic engineering. A growing number of scientists and physicians are voicing concern over the possible health and environmental risks from these foods. The Food and Drug Administration should use its existing authority to require the food industry to label these new genetically engineered foods. Without labels, consumers loose the freedom to choose what they will eat and feed their families. This petition upholds the right of consumers to make informed choices. We, the undersigned, as citizens of the United States of America, strongly urge the enforcement of existing laws to mandate the clear and accurate labeling of all foods derived from, processed with, containing and consisting of genetically engineered organisms before they are released into any and all commercial markets. Join celebrities Tim Robbins, Susan Sarandon and 500,000 others by printing your name clearly below. Signature_______________________ Date___________________________ Name__________________________ Phone__________________________ Address________________________ City/State/Zip____________________   Signature_______________________ Date___________________________ Name__________________________ Phone__________________________ Address________________________ City/State/Zip____________________ Signature_______________________ Date___________________________ Name__________________________ Phone__________________________ Address________________________ City/State/Zip____________________