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49 Members of the US Congress Send Letter to FDA Friday, November 5, 1999 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Joseph Mendelson,Center for Food Safety, 202/547-9359Richard Caplan, U.S. PIRG, 202/546-9707x329 Bob Roth, The Natural Law Party, 202/251-7014 U.S. LAWMAKERS CALL ON FDA TO LABEL GENETICALLY ENGINEERED FOOD Washington, D.C. * Members of Congress today called on the Food and Drug Administration to require labeling of genetically engineered food, declaring the issue an important food safety and consumer protection matter. In a letter sent to the FDA today, Rep. David Bonior (D-MI) and a bipartisan group of more than 47 representatives called the current FDA policy of not requiring labels for these foods flawed. The signers conclude that existing law requires the FDA to provide thorough information to consumers. "American consumers have the right to know what is in the food they eat, and that is the intent of the law already on the books," said Mark Silbergeld of Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports Magazine. The letter to FDA comes before FDA public hearings to gauge consumer concern about genetically engineered food. The hearings are set for Chicago on Nov. 18, Washington, D.C., on Nov. 30, and Oakland, Calif., on Dec. 13. The letter also reaches the Clinton Administration as it readies for the World Trade Organization meeting in Seattle beginning Nov. 29, where international trade disputes over genetically engineered food will be a centerpiece of negotiations. Congress had been encouraged to take action by a diverse alliance, including religious organizations, farm groups, consumer groups, and environmentalists. "We stand united in our call on the FDA to immediately institute labeling of genetically engineered foods," said Richard Caplan, environmental advocate for the U.S. Public Interest Research Group. Organizations that sent letters to Congress supporting Bonior's action include: Adrian Dominican Sisters o American Corn Growers Association o Catholic Healthcare West o Center for Food Safety o Citizens for Health o Consumers Choice Council o Consumers Union o Friends of the Earth o Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy o Mothers and Others for a Livable Planet o National Family Farm Coalition o The Natural Law Party o Organic Consumers Association o Sierra Club o Union of Concerned Scientists o U.S. PIRG o Women's Cancer Research Center In July, the Natural Law Party delivered more than 500,000 signatures on a petition to Congress and the president calling for GE foods to be labeled as such. "We are grateful for Rep. Bonior's leadership in addressing this issue," said Laura Ticciati of the Natural Law Party. "Poll after poll clearly shows that the American public wants genetically engineered foods labeled." FDA is already facing a lawsuit challenging its failure to require pre-market safety testing, labeling and full environmental review. The suit was filed by the Alliance for Bio-Integrity, Center for Food Safety, scientists, and members of major religious organizations. Joseph Mendelson, legal director of Center for Food Safety and lead attorney on the case, stated, "Today's letter acknowledges that Congress intended the federal labeling requirements to apply to situations like genetically engineered foods. The FDA can't turn a blind eye to action in Congress and the courts." For a copy of the Bonior letter go to http://www.foe.org/safefood This Press Release was issued by a coalition including: Consumers Union, Friends of the Earth, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, Mothers and Others for a Livable Planet, National Family Farm Coalition, The Natural Law Party, Organic Consumers Association, Sierra Club, Union of Concerned Scientists, PIRG, Women's Cancer Research Center "Genetically Engineered Food - Safety Problems" News Introductory articles Health hazards Environmental hazards Global issues Safety issues Alternatives to GE FAQ About us What You can do Membership E-mail How to sponsor us |