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Group demands labeling of gene-altered products
Boycott of manufacturers threatened
October 8, 1996
Web posted at: 5:20 p.m. EDTFrom Correspondent Eugenia Halsey
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Genetically engineered foods should be labeled as such, even when they're ingredients in other food products, a consumer group says.
The Foundation on Economic Trends has called for an international boycott against products containing genetically engineered corn and soybeans unless the product manufacturers include clear labeling on their goods.
"These new genetically engineered food crops are the first wave of a generation of 'Brave New World' foods that are going to have serious health and environmental repercussions," said the Foundation's Jeremy Rifkin.
Soybeans and corn are ingredients in thousands of food products on supermarket shelves, including soft drinks, corn chips, baby formula and cereal.
The bio-corn was developed to be resistant to a certain insect, while the soybeans were modified to give farmers better weed control.
But the consumer groups say some people may be allergic to these foods, and the head of a European trade group says many supermarkets in the continent don't want food products made with genetically engineered ingredients unless they're labeled.
"We are defenseless, and this is something we do not want to accept," said Henrik Kroner of Eurocommerce.
But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says the crops are indistinguishable from other varieties, and that there is no reason to suspect that they are unsafe.
That view was echoed by food product manufacturers and a group that represents many of the largest brand name foods.
"We believe they are safe and the majority of consumers want these kinds of products that have environmental benefits such as the ability to use less pesticides," said Stephen Ziller of the Grocery Manufacturers of America.
The companies say that labeling products that contain genetically engineered ingredients would be impractical. But some consumers say they want the labeling.
Whether there will be an international backlash against genetically engineered crops is unclear. The European Union has approved the new soybeans but hasn't yet decided whether to accept the corn.
Related stories:
- Debate over hormone-free milk rages on in Vermont - April 19, 1996
- Genetically engineered food may trigger allergy - March 14, 1996
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