>From U.S. Newswire,
http://www.usnewswire.com/topnews/Current_Releases/1124-103.htm
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Environmentalists, Consumers, Farmers: 'No to Frankenfoods!'
U.S. Newswire
24 Nov 10:05
Environmentalists, Consumers and Farmers Say 'No to Frankenfoods!'
This Thanksgiving
To: National Desk
Contact: Mark Whiteis-Helm of Friends of the Earth,
202-783-7400, ext. 102; Web site: http://www.foe.org
WASHINGTON, Nov. 24 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Friends of the Earth (FoE), the Organic Consumers Association, and concerned farmers and citizens rallied today outside a Safeway store in the nation's capital calling for the supermarket chain to go "genetically engineered (GE) free" in its store brand of products.
FoE noted that genetically engineered ingredients are present in approximately 60 percent to 70 percent of all processed foods lining our supermarket shelves, including baby formula, corn chips, veggie burgers, frozen meals and ice cream. They also called attention to the numerous health risks associated with GE foods: the threat that new allergens and toxins could be introduced into our food supply; and the possibility that GE foods could cause increased resistance to antibiotics. Environmental threats like the toxic effects on Monarch butterflies are also a concern.
"These foods are not safety tested by the FDA before they go onto the market, and they are not labeled, " said Friends of the Earth President Dr. Brent Blackwelder. "Consumers are being used as guinea pigs and are being denied the right to make informed choices about the food they eat and feed their families."
The group will hold its next rally in Seattle during the WTO meetings on Thursday, Dec. 2. For more information, contact FoE in Seattle at 206-448-9444 or 206-953-0347 (cell).