GEO/GMO's
Lynda
Sorry if this is a cross-post or if it is considered spamming. If it is,
delete here and accept my apologies.
The Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act (HR 3377 and S 2080) are
currently before Congress. More information on these can be found at
http://www.thecampaign.org/newsupdates/index.htm or you can sign up for the
e-lists at http://www.thecampaign.org/elists.htm
I've included a suggested letter to send to your Senators and Congressmen.
Lynda
If Ignorance Is Bliss Why Aren't More People Happy?
Dear Representative/Senator:
I am very concerned that I am eating genetically engineered foods without
being told that fact. I am writing to request that you co-sponsor (H.R.
3377 or S. 2080), the Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act. This
legislation will ensure the right of Americans to know whether the foods we
purchase have been genetically altered in any way.
Public opinion polls show the vast majority of Americans want these foods
labeled. (81% in a January 11, 1999, Time magazine poll) Yet the FDA is
allowing genetically engineered foods to come to market unlabeled arguing
these foods are no different than those produced by typical hyridization.
But studies show crops modified by genetic engineering may contain
increased levels of natural toxins and lower levels of valuable nutrients.
The FDA states that if a genetically engineered food contains a known
allergen it must be labeled. But what about the unknown allergens taht may
be created int hese experiemental foods? Genetically engineered crops
often contain proteins that have never before been consumed by humans as
food. Further, there are serious questions about the environmental safety
of these crops. And many people have moral and religious concerns.
Food manufacturers are selling potatoes and corn that have been genetically
engineered to contain the Bt toxin (Bacillus thuringiensis). The Bt toxin
stays in the cell structure of the plants and is deadly enough to kill
insects. We are being told that these foods are safe for human
consumption, but we have heard that before about DDT, EDB and many other
pesticides later shown to be cancer-causing.
I do not want to eat genetically engineered foods that contain the Bt
toxin. Nor do I want to eat "Roundup Ready" soybeans or other future
products such as tomatoes that contain the gene from a fish! But without
labeling, I cannot avoid it. So I am asking you to become a co-sponsor of
(H.R. 3377 or S. 2080), the Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act,
which will require the labeling of all genetically engineered foods.
Similar labeling legislation has already been passed in Europe, Australia
and Japan.
Please write back to me and let me know if you intend to support this
important legislation. Your decision in this matter is likely to influence
my vote in the November 2000 election.
Sincerely,
(signature)
(print name)
(address)
(city, state, zip)
delete here and accept my apologies.
The Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act (HR 3377 and S 2080) are
currently before Congress. More information on these can be found at
http://www.thecampaign.org/newsupdates/index.htm or you can sign up for the
e-lists at http://www.thecampaign.org/elists.htm
I've included a suggested letter to send to your Senators and Congressmen.
Lynda
If Ignorance Is Bliss Why Aren't More People Happy?
Dear Representative/Senator:
I am very concerned that I am eating genetically engineered foods without
being told that fact. I am writing to request that you co-sponsor (H.R.
3377 or S. 2080), the Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act. This
legislation will ensure the right of Americans to know whether the foods we
purchase have been genetically altered in any way.
Public opinion polls show the vast majority of Americans want these foods
labeled. (81% in a January 11, 1999, Time magazine poll) Yet the FDA is
allowing genetically engineered foods to come to market unlabeled arguing
these foods are no different than those produced by typical hyridization.
But studies show crops modified by genetic engineering may contain
increased levels of natural toxins and lower levels of valuable nutrients.
The FDA states that if a genetically engineered food contains a known
allergen it must be labeled. But what about the unknown allergens taht may
be created int hese experiemental foods? Genetically engineered crops
often contain proteins that have never before been consumed by humans as
food. Further, there are serious questions about the environmental safety
of these crops. And many people have moral and religious concerns.
Food manufacturers are selling potatoes and corn that have been genetically
engineered to contain the Bt toxin (Bacillus thuringiensis). The Bt toxin
stays in the cell structure of the plants and is deadly enough to kill
insects. We are being told that these foods are safe for human
consumption, but we have heard that before about DDT, EDB and many other
pesticides later shown to be cancer-causing.
I do not want to eat genetically engineered foods that contain the Bt
toxin. Nor do I want to eat "Roundup Ready" soybeans or other future
products such as tomatoes that contain the gene from a fish! But without
labeling, I cannot avoid it. So I am asking you to become a co-sponsor of
(H.R. 3377 or S. 2080), the Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act,
which will require the labeling of all genetically engineered foods.
Similar labeling legislation has already been passed in Europe, Australia
and Japan.
Please write back to me and let me know if you intend to support this
important legislation. Your decision in this matter is likely to influence
my vote in the November 2000 election.
Sincerely,
(signature)
(print name)
(address)
(city, state, zip)