Genetic Engineering and Veganism

[Guest guest]

Genetic Engineering and Veganism

 

Some vegans innocently use genetically engineered versions

of animal proteins and hormones as food, vitamin supplements,

or cosmetics because of unscrupulous vendors. Friendly-sounding

environmentally conscious entrepreneurs sometimes trick their

customers into believing that their products are healthy,

friendly, and vegan. Often times, bovine proteins, serums,

extracts, skin, or bones are used in the processing of these

sham-vegan products.

 

I take no pleasure in exposing scam artists for their abuse

of trusting consumers acting upon good faith. I have done so

before. I have done so again with today's column. I will

continue to do so, for truth and integrity cannot be

compromised.

 

The magic of genetic engineering is often accomplished

by combining proteins from one living organism into

another host species. Hence, the name " recombinant "

became applied to a new biotechnology.

 

The first and most controversial large-scale genetically

engineered food resulted from the FDA approval of Monsanto's

recombinant bovine growth hormone, otherwise known as

rbGH or rbST (recombinant bovine somatotropin).

 

In the case of rbGH/rbST, the naturally occurring bovine

growth hormone was introduced inside of the body of an

E. coli bacterium. This bacterium soon divided into two

separate creatures, and then four. Soon there were billions.

Like herds of cattle, a new species was herded or cultured

together to live inside of a giant cauldron. When it became time

to extract the new genetically modified hormone, a percentage

of the entire population was killed/harvested/sacrificed, so

that the hormone could then be purified and injected into cows.

 

Pharmaceutical companies call this growth process a

" fermentation procedure. "

 

Vegans eat no living creatures. Of course, with each bite

of broccoli or tofu, all humans eat bacteria. Without

bacteria, life as we know it would not exist. True vegans

do not support the consumption of any animal products.

This includes eggs and honey. Bees work to produce honey,

and many non-vegans would argue, " What's the big deal? "

To a vegan, eating honey is a conscious act of taking

a product intended to be used by bees. The key is that

the product is taken without their consent.

 

Vegans practice a philosophy of harmlessness, or ahimsa.

 

One can never pretend to know what a chimpanzee or rat

is thinking while undergoing the pain and confinement of

laboratory research. Nor can one understand the pig's

experience during the act of slaughter. Few give thought

to the painful death of a chicken sans anesthesia. The

throat is sliced, the death is quick. The chicken is

breaded and fried, and it is tasty. Do birds think?

Do butterflies or moths feel pain? Do gnats cry when they

die? Does a bacterium feel love or discomfort? The defining

line for a vegan involves making a conscious decision to

manipulate another species to part with its own life or

skin to serve humans.

 

Genetically engineered recombinant foods and medicines

rely upon the creation of new species of life which

are " tamed " to produce their bodies and body fluids

for the benefit of man. Whether tiny creatures suffer

or not is a matter for eternal debate. The issue before

us is whether or not any creature should be herded as

a farm animal to dedicate their lives and deaths for

humankind.

 

I no longer swat moths or mosquitoes, recognizing their

right to life. I do not walk on ants, if I can help it.

My conclusion must be that all living creatures have

a right to their own existence.

 

To create a new species of life and alter a part of

its structure to serve people is contrary to the

natural laws of nature.

 

The products include skin cream which contains hyaluronic

acid.

 

Hyaluronic acid is a substance that is common to living animal

connective tissue. In the case of face creams and moisturizers,

this connective tissue is extracted from living creatures. One

source is roosters. Cock's combs. The manufacturer of one line

of vegan hyaluronic products claims that his product is not

derived from an animal source.

 

This issue recently arose after a reader asked whether

a specific group of health care products were really

vegan.

 

I tried to obtain the source of hyaluronic acid for the

Peter Lamas skin moisturizers by calling their toll-free

number, 877-604-6521 but three separate inquiries revealed

no information. None of his order-takers could answer my

question about his so-called vegan product, and there is

little information on their Internet website. Diane

and Lynette promised to call back, but did not. On my fourth

call, I was given their " corporate " number of 310-452-4188.

That number belongs to Lamas president, Daniel Sanders.

We have spoken and Emailed a few times. Sanders promised to

give me the name of his hyaluronic supplier in our first

phone call. His first Email represented that the product

was genetically engineered. His second Email denied the

first email. Daniel now refuses to give me the name of

his supplier. Seems as if I've gotten the " corporate runaround. "

 

After dozens of phone calls, and a little bit of investigation,

this California beauty company turned out to be a Texas company

located in a small town near Houston. Rick answered the

phone when I dialed 281-350-0000. He informed me that

Mr. Lamas was getting ready to go out on " tour " and

would be unavailable. Rick promised to get me an answer

within the hour. That promise was made 4:30 PM, EST on

Tuesday, June 24, 2003. Nearly two days later, I still have

no answer, just empty promises.

 

I also spoke with Barry Warkentin of Premier Labs. His number

is 800-887-5227. Mr. Warkentin has been in the cosmetic

business since 1971, and was one of the first to use and

promote hyaluronic acid as a health product. It was his

opinion that GMO hyaluronic acid " does not work very well. "

He first used collagen from cock's combs, and now uses a

chicken collage product manufactured by Biocel. Warkentin

confirmed what I have learned from other research. There

are only two types of hyaluronic acid. The animal or the

genetically engineered version. In reality, both are animal

products. You may be surprised to learn why.

 

The third person I spoke with was Michelle. She represents

the leading manufacturer of that supposed non-animal substance,

Genzyme Advances Pharmaceuticals. You can confirm what I learned

by calling Genzyme's toll-free number: 800-868-8208. Michelle's

extension is 17450.

 

Michelle explained to me that their " vegetarian " hyaluronic

acid is created by a fermentation process. To refresh your

memory, such a process means that the product is genetically

engineered inside of E. coli bacteria. Michelle rationalized

that Genzyme markets their product as being from a non-animal

source. She did admit to me that this is not to be assumed that

it is made for strict vegans. During the processing of Genzyme's

hyaluronic acid, Michelle revealed that other bovine products

are used.

 

Why? The complete answer is a bit technical and proprietary,

but I've written many articles regarding the procedure. Genetic

engineering does not always produce exact duplicates of naturally

occurring substances. Often times, " freak " amino acids are created.

This could be dangerous. Technological advances have resulted in

creative filtration processes involving filters made with bovine

cartilage and bone. Much the same way that some white sugars are

filtered with animal bone, so too are some new genetically

engineered proteins.

 

Ignorance may be bliss to some individuals. Armed with facts,

most true vegans would reject any finished product intentionally

containing animal components, however small the percentage.

 

I want to believe Lamas, but their president has given me no

reason to do so. His refusal to provide the source of their

product, while continuing to maintain that the product is

vegan, is questionable, at the very least.

 

Visit their website, and you will see very expensive

skin care products with the greatest amount of name-dropping

that I've ever witnessed. Julia Roberts. Grace Kelly. Jackie

Onassis. Julia Roberts. The list goes on and on. Check out

the founder of the company and rub elbows with Elizabeth

Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Faye Dunaway, Diana Ross, Sharon

Stone, Cindy Crawford and Kate Winslet:

 

http://www.beautywalk.com

 

Is visiting a website sprinkled with celebrities worth spending

thousands of dollars on makeup, just to pay for clever Internet

web design? Is this legitimate? To me, it's insulting. If and when

Lamas comes forward with the truth about their product, I promise

to send that information to you in a new column. For the time

being, you can call one of three numbers and let them know that

you'll place your order only after confirming that theirs

is a vegan product. Do yourself a favor and don't take their

representation at face value. Tell them that you're from

Missouri, the " show me " state. In his last Email, Mr.

Sanders informed me that their supplier is not Genzyme.

However, he continues to withhold the source hyaluronic

acid. You could call and ask for the name of his source.

Let Lamas Skin Care know that you care.

 

Lamas toll-free order line: 877-604-6521

Lamas President, Daniel Sanders: 310-452-4188

Lamas corporate Texas office (Rick's private line) 281-350-0000

 

Robert Cohen

http://www.notmilk.com

 

~Janice~

Be your own cheerleader! Encourage yourself every step of the way!

 

" Do not blame others for making you mad. Anger is a choice. Choose wisely "