--------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Fri, 27 Oct 2000 13:53:13 -0400
From: Tom Adkins <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [Press]NADER CALLS FOR LABELS ON GMOs

Press Release
OCTOBER 27, 2000
CONTACT:  Jake Lewis or Tom Adkins (202) 265-4000

NADER CALLS FOR LABELS ON GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS, SEEDS

Des Moines, IA. October 27-Ralph Nader today called for legislation to
require labels on all genetically altered products, and a reevaluation
of public policy towards genetically altered life forms.  Polling has
shown that about 90 percent of the public supports labeling on
genetically-engineered foods.

“Consumers have a right to know what they are buying when they go to the
supermarket, and farmers have a right to know what they are planting in
their fields,” Nader told reporters.  “Farmers were not even informed
that StarLink had not been approved for human consumption until Aventis
began contacting them in an attempt to insure that the corn was not
mixed with shipments bound for use in food produced for humans. We need
to devolve power from corporate agribusiness to the farmers and
consumers who should rightfully control food production in this
country.”

Nader said that the recent taco shell recall provides an example of the
potential dangers of genetically altered crops to consumers, some of
whom could expect to suffer allergic reactions to the modified corn, and
demanded that President Clinton not give into calls from Aventis and
other food industry companies to have StarLink exempted from the current
regulatory guidelines.  “Such a move would only reward the biotech
industry for its malfeasance,” Nader said.

“Genetic engineering of food has far outrun the science that must be its
first governing discipline. Many unknowns attend the insertion of genes
across species, from ecological risks to food allergies,” Nader said.
“We need a dramatic shift away from the industry-dominated laissez-faire
non-regulation of GMOs.”  Nader has specifically proposed:
- Halting release of genetically altered plants into the environment
until comprehensive, independent studies are performed as to
environmental and food safety risks under a regulatory framework
- Exempting life forms from the purview of patent laws in order to allow
broader research and safety testing opportunities by academia and
government
- Placing liability for harm on the owners or licensees of biotechnology
patent rights in the event of damages caused by environmental release
- Labeling food containing any genetically altered ingredients

Nader also questioned why Iowa State University would enter into the
Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), a consortium of universities,
research centers, and biotechnology corporations, when their own
scientists have raised troubling questions about the safety of
genetically modified foods.  “BIO is essentially a front for the
agribusiness industry, opposing any additional labeling, regulation, or
oversight while supporting the failed pro-globalization trade policies
that have brought crisis to American family farmers,” Nader said.  “This
sort of alliance will serve to crowd out the possibility of research
emphasis on organic, sustainable, environmentally-friendly farming
methods.”

###
* - For more information about GMOs, contact the Council for Responsible
Genetics, at www.gene-watch.org

Paid for by the Nader 2000 General Committee, Inc.

--

Tom Adkins
Assistant Press Secretary
Nader 2000
P.O. Box 18002
Washington, DC 20036
ph) 202-265-4000 ext.21
fax) 202-265-0183

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