Genetically Engineered Food

[Guest guest]

Mothers for Natural Law

 

(This letter has been sent to every member of Congress by Mothers for

Natural Law)

 

June 1, 1999

 

Dear _____________________,

 

Last week, Time, the New York Times, USA Today, Good Morning America and

most major media outlets across the US carried the news that Monarch

butterflies died unexpectedly from eating milkweed plants which had been

dusted with the pollen of genetically engineered Bt corn. This finding

is the most recent of many unwanted and unintentional side effects from

genetically engineered foods.

 

In every corner of the world, at every level of society, scientists,

clergy, physicians, farmers, government leaders and citizens are raising

a warning against the introduction of genetically engineered organisms

into our food chain. Yet here in America, our government insists this

technology is safe.

 

If it’s safe, why is the British Medical Association calling for a

moratorium on commercial transgenic plantings? Why is the European food

industry demanding segregation and labeling of genetically engineered

products? Why is the Pope warning of ethical implications? Why is

Austria fighting to be a biotech-free zone? And why are 1,300 schools

in the United Kingdom banning these foods from their cafeterias? Do

they know something about genetic engineering that we don’t? Are they

paying attention to something we are ignoring? And if so, why?

 

In less than three years, more than 25% of our corn, 35% of our soybeans

and 50% of our cotton crops have been genetically engineered. Already

at least 60% of the foods in our grocery stores contain some genetically

engineered component. Within 5 - 10 years the biotech industry intends

to genetically engineer all of our food.

 

Why are we in such a rush? Forty years ago DDT was thought to be a safe

and promising addition to agriculture. Thalidomide was given to

pregnant women by their doctors. Nuclear power was touted as the

cleanest energy source on earth. Marketed prematurely, each of these

technological innovations brought unforeseen, unwanted and tragic side

effects – which could have been so easily avoided through long-term

safety testing. Well, we’re doing it again. Genetically engineered

foods are being rushed into the market without proper long-term

testing. But the problems that could ensure from the genetic

manipulation of our food make even 10,000 years of radioactive waste

seem insignificant. Haven’t we learned anything from our mistakes?

 

We are a vital and creative country. We move quickly and

enthusiastically when science opens doors to new frontiers. Our love of

progress, our vision of possibilities for life is a cornerstone of our

nation’s greatness. But allowing the glamour of a new discovery to

overshadow sound judgment, giving ourselves permission to flood our

fields with experimental organisms, which once released can never be

recalled, is not only an extremely foolish misuse of science, it’s

irresponsible. And to conscript the American people into this

experiment – without their knowledge or consent – to put these foods on

the shelves of our grocery stores without labels –is not only

un-American, it’s unconscionable. (my emphasis) This technology is so

powerful that caution is absolutely called for. It’s just common sense.

 

On June 17, on behalf of the Consumer Right to Know Campaign, we will

submit several hundred thousand signatures on a petition calling for the

mandatory labeling of genetically engineered foods to the President,

Congress, USDA, FDA, and EPA. I invite you to attend the presentation

of these petitions and accept them on behalf of the people of your

state. At this presentation, you will hear the considerable concerns of

scientists and physicians, farmer, religious leaders, American and

European food industry members, and consumers. And when you do, you

will recognize that genetic engineering demands your serious and

immediate attention.

 

I urge you to step forward to safeguard the future for all of us.

 

Sincerely,

 

Laura Ticciati

Executive Director Mothers for Natural Law

P.O. Box 1177 - Fairfield, Iowa 52556 - Phone 515-472-2809 - Fax

515-472-2683

e-mail: mothers Internet www.safe-food.org