People are talking

Why all GE foods
should be labeled

Consumers Union endorses Measure 27

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2002

MEDIA ADVISORY:
CONSUMERS UNION SUPPORTS OREGON’S BALLOT INITIATIVE TO LABEL GENETICALLY ENGINEERED FOOD

Consumers have a fundamental right to know what they are eating;
Consumers Union sends letter to Oregon Governor Supporting Measure
Letter available at http://www.consumersunion.org/food/ORE-govltr.htm

WHY: The state of Oregon is considering a ballot initiative, Measure 27, that would require mandatory labeling of genetically engineered foods and food additives sold or produced in the state. If the measure passes, Oregon would become the first state in the U.S. to require genetically engineered foods to be labeled.

“Passage of Measure 27 would be a significant victory for consumers, who want to be able to make an informed choice about the foods that they eat and feed to their families. Federal and state laws currently require many labels on products that line supermarket shelves--consumers must be told when milk is homogenized, juice is made from concentrate, beef is irradiated, and if canned sardines come from Norway. Genetically engineered foods warrant the same treatment,” says Jean Halloran, Director of the Consumer Policy Institute, Consumers Union.

WHAT: In addition to believing in consumers’ fundamental right to know what they are eating, Consumers Union supports labeling in Oregon because:

• Genetically engineered food is different from conventionally produced food. Genetically engineered foods are foods developed and produced using recombinant DNA technology, rather than traditional breeding techniques. R-DNA technology adds to or alters genetic material in a laboratory that could not be added through normal plant or animal breeding.
• While none of the genetically engineered foods currently on the US market have been shown to be unsafe for human consumption, the federal government does not adequately ensure that these products are safe for consumers and the environment. Labeling could help identify potential problems, such as allergic reactions, if they occur.
• Based on the experience of the twelve countries of the European Union that have instituted mandatory labeling of genetically engineered food, we anticipate that the impact on consumer food prices will be negligible.
• Europe, Japan, South Korea, China, Australia and New Zealand all have mandatory labeling requirements, and a labeling law in Oregon would put the state in a good position to sell products in those markets.

WHO:
• R. David Pittle, Senior Vice-President, Technical Policy, Consumers Union
• Jean Halloran, Director of Consumer Policy Institute, Consumers Union
• Michael Hansen, PhD, Consumer Policy Institute Research Associate, Consumers Union

HOW: For more information, or to set up interviews, contact:
Jen Shecter, (914) 378-2402, shecje@consumer.org