Stop Genetically Engineered Sugar Beets

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TAKE ACTION: Stop Genetically Engineered Sugar

BeetsNote from me: If you plan to contact any of

the companies, go to the site and download the doc file. It's at the end

of this article........Lynn

April, 2008 - Leading U.S. sugar providers whose sugar is

sourced from genetically engineered (GE) sugar beets begin sending their

" Franken-sugar " to stores this year. In 2001, Hershey's,

M & M Mars, and American Crystal Sugar told consumers they would not

use GE sugar; but now that sugar beets are close to being planted

commercially, they have yet to renew those assurances.

Let these companies know you expect them to live up to their pledge to

consumers - click on the company names below to make your voice heard! (A

sample letter is attached at the end of this story for your

convenience.)

American Crystal

Sugar Company

Hershey's

 

M & M/Mars Inc.

Since half of the granulated sugar in the U.S. comes from sugar beets,

the infiltration of GE sugar beets represents a significant alteration of

our food supply. These sugars, as well as genetically engineered corn and

soy, are found in hundreds of everyday food products. This means

consumers will be exposed to genetically engineered ingredients in

virtually every non-organic food product.

Unlike traditional breeding, genetic engineering creates new life forms

that would never occur in nature, creating new and unpredictable health

and environmental risks. Genes from bacteria, viruses, plants, animals -

even humans - have already been inserted into common food crops,

like corn, soy, and canola, to create " Frankencrops " . Now

companies like Monsanto have set their sights on our sugar.

In fact, a new option available this year, Monsanto’s Roundup Ready

sugar beet, was genetically engineered to survive direct application

of their own controversial broad-spectrum herbicide, Roundup.

Studies indicate farmers planting the " Roundup Ready " versions

of corn and soy spray large amounts of the herbicide, contaminating both

soil and water. Farmers planting GE sugar beets are told they may be

able to apply the herbicide up to five times per year. Sugar beets

are grown on 1.4 million acres by 12,000 farmers in the U.S. from Oregon

to Minnesota.

Now, at the request of Monsanto, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

increased the allowable amount of glyphosate residues on sugar beetroots

by an unbelievable 5000%. (Glyphosate is the active ingredient in

Roundup). Sugar is extracted from the beet’s root, and the result is more

glyphosate pesticide in our sugar. This is not good news for those

who want to use sugar, or products containing sugar, without the threat

of ingesting toxic weed killer.

Mother's Day is fast approaching - tell Hershey’s, Mars, and American

Crystal that you love your mother and will not buy her any sweets unless

they are GE-Free! (Click on the company names to make your voice heard. A

sample letter is attached below for your convenience.)

American Crystal

Sugar

Hershey's

 

M & M/Mars Inc.

 

 

http://www.citizens.org/action-alerts/take-action-stop-genetically-engineered-sugar-beets