Unlabeled, Untested And You're Eating It!

A Consumer Forum on Genetically Engineered Foods

Genetically engineered foods are in fields, restaurants, supermarkets and on your plate. Yet these foods are virtually unregulated and little is known about consequences to the environment or human health. Without mandatory labeling there is no way to identify and avoid them.

In 1992 the Food and Drug Administration decided that these novel foods are no different from those that have been bred over centuries. As a result, genetically engineered foods were given a green light with little safety testing and little regulation. Millions of acres are now planted in GE crops and about 70% of foods on supermarket shelves contain GE ingredients.

Do consumers have a right to know?

The Federal government doesn't think so! Since the first introduction of these foods to market, they have supported a 'voluntary' labeling policy because the powerful biotech industry knows that consumers might not want to eat their novel creations. And the new FDA proposed regulations for biotech food posted in January 2001 continue to deny the consumers' right-to-know despite the fact that polls consistently indicate that consumers want GE foods labeled. Don't you think you should be allowed to make your own decision? Many citizens around the country agree and are mobilizing to demand that mandatory labeling becomes a reality.

Should consumers be concerned?

This forum will address the many complex issues surrounding genetically engineered foods and their fast-track commercialization. What is genetically engineered food? Why is food being genetically engineered? What foods have been genetically engineered? Why are so many scientists and consumers concerned? And much more . . .