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against genetically engineered food and
crops
Check out our Press Releases on Labelling, a great background abstract by Daniel Franks as well as a summary courtesy of Bob Phelps fromthe Gene Ethics Network below LABELLING IS INADEQUATE
There will be no effective labelling of foods produced using GE. From December 8 2001, food standard A18 says labelling is required but there are so many exemptions from labelling that virtually nothing will carry a label to indicate it was produced using GE.
Also, foods produced and packaged in 2001 will be exempt from labelling until December 2002, although producers had 18 months to prepare for labelling.
The exemptions include:
* products from animals fed on GE feed (meat; milk; eggs; honey; etc);
* refined foods such as vegie oils, starches and sugars - assumed not to
contain DNA or protein;
* processing aids and additives;
* flavourings <.1% of total processed food;
* foods prepared at the point of sale - restaurants etc.
* unintended contaminants up to 1%.
Many of the major food companies are trying to get GE out of their foods
while others will not act.
There is scope for us to act. All food companies will be required to have
documentary information on their foods, to evidence whether they were made
using GE or not.
We need to get that information into the public domain. Asking them
ourselves is one way.
Another is to get your local council (creches, meals on wheels etc),
schools, and other catering organisations to contract only for GE free
foods. (We can provide a legal opinion on the powers of councils to be GE
free) Organisations can require in their contracts that evidence is
produced on the GE free status of food. This will build the pressure for
oppenness and candour.
Begin now by calling the following companies and asking them to tell you
their plans for complying with Standard A18, from December 8. Ask for their
position in writing.
Freecall 1800 Numbers
Arnotts 1800 242 492
Berri 1800 131 133
Birds Eye 1800 061 229
Bonlac 1800 816 773
Bulla (Dairy) Regal 1800 001 332
Dairy Good (National Foods) 1800 677 852
George Westons 1800 643 287
Golden Crumpets 1800 645 515
Heinz Wattie 1800 037 058
Helga 1800 810 599
Kelloggs 1800 000 474
Kraft 1800 033 275
Mainland 1800 633 275
MeadowLea 1800 638 112
Monbulk 1800 244 054
Nestle 1800 069 678
Schweppes/ Cottees 1800 244 054
SPC 1800 805 168
Sunicrust 1800 442 454
Uncle Tobys 1800 025 768
Woolworths 1800 007 700
Dick Smith www.dicksmithfoods.com.au
Fifya www.fifya.com.au
Golden Circle www.gcl.com.au
Bob Phelps, Director, GeneEthics Network
340 Gore St, Fitzroy 3065 Australia
Tel: (03) 9416.2222 Fax: (03) 9416.0767 {Int Code (613)}
email: geneethics@acfonline.org.au (Bob Phelps) http://www.geneethics.org/
Foe GE home
