The FDA has just proposed rules which would allow the sale of gene-altered milk or meat without requiring any labeling.
Genetically modified plants and animals have genes spliced into their DNA with the goal of producing some particular trait.
In contrast to selective breeding, this method allows scientists to cross species in ways that would not occur naturally (e.g., the splicing of a gene from a flounder into a tomato to make it more frost resistant, or genetic manipulation of cows to cause their cells to produce antibiotics and negate the need to inject them with these same substances).
The safety of these plants and animals for human consumption has not been determined, as appropriate studies have not yet been conducted.
Although the FDA itself admits that they should be tested for health risks, astonishingly they are now proposing that labels not be required on such foods.
“One of the key strategies of the large corporate interests has been to refuse to label products that contain GM [Genetically Modified, or Genetically Manipulated] materials, for they know that if people had the choice many would choose to avoid the manipulated foods. But without the choice, consumers have considerably less power. And without labeling, if something goes wrong, it will be hard to put the companies responsible on the legal hook.”[1]
The FDA is still considering the safety of milk from cows genetically engineered to produce antibiotics, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration now wants to let GM meat and milk from such animals be sold to you without your knowledge.
Whether your concern is over the health risks of consuming gene-altered food, the potential for ecological damage or contamination of the world’s food supply, or the ethics of animal research, you and consumers everywhere have the right to know what you are purchasing and eating.
Demand Labeling of Gene-Altered Food!
Sign the petition to the FDA demanding that the agency label genetically engineered food.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/314188001?z00m=17539690
Please note: This is a time sensitive issue. Please sign the petition today!
Consumers’ Union needs to receive all responses today in order to have them in time to present to the FDA.[*]
[1] – Genetically Modified Foods: Breeding Uncertainty
[*] – So far the petition has received 6,652 signatures, with a goal of 10,000. The deadline is October 31, 2008 (TODAY!)
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