(Facilitator: Free The Planet! )
Kraft Foods is the largest food company in the country, and the second largest in the world. Kraft's products are found in 99% of U.S. households, and many of them, such as Taco Bell taco shells, Boca Burgers, Lunchables, Post cereals and Stovetop Stuffing have been found to contain untested and unlabeled genetically engineered ingredients that may put our families and environment at risk. Kraft refuses to label these inadequately tested foods, taking away our right to know what we are eating, despite the fact that between 85 and 95% of Americans want labeling.
Kraft is aware of the potential health and environmental risks of genetically engineered foods. After StarLink corn-a variety not approved for human consumption-was discovered in Kraft's products by GE Food Alert, a coalition of environmental groups, in the fall of 2000, the company recalled millions of boxes of taco shells and, to avoid further contamination, switched to non-engineered white corn in its corn-based taco products. Kraft has moved to avoid genetically engineered ingredients in European markets because of consumer demand and strict laws there. Meanwhile, hundreds of Americans have reported allergic reactions to the FDA after eating Kraft products likely to contain GE corn.
Kraft must stop using genetically engineered ingredients in all its products and immediately label what's on the shelf so we can make our own choices about what we're eating. Kraft has a responsibility to support the health of its customers, as well as their environment and America's family farms. As the largest food maker in the country, Kraft must make sure its food is safe.
We are calling on all food companies, particularly Kraft Foods, to immediately do the following:
1. Stop using genetically engineered ingredients in all of its products unless adequate testing, labeling, and liability are established;
2. Start labeling products containing tested genetically engineered ingredients, so consumers can make their own choices; and
3. Pledge not to use genetically engineered wheat, currently being developed for commercial introduction by the biotechnology industry.
Kraft products are served on campus in dining halls and sold in campus stores so students across the country are demanding that their colleges and universities kick Kraft off campus. We're also urging Betsy Holden, the CEO of Kraft, to make the right decision through letters, calls and media. By flexing a little muscle as consumers, we can show them that using GE products is not only unsafe, but also bad business.
Check out our website www.freetheplanet.org for more information and contact us to get involved!Geographical Scope: National Added on 05-17-2004 Updated on 05-17-2004 |
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