Mothers and Others
mission and historyshoppers' campaignresearch centerthe green guidemembershipstop, start, and write







M & O Consumer
Action Kit








Introduction




What is genetic engineering?






Why Care?






In the Kitchen






In the Supermarket






Mothers' Milk List






On the Farm






In the Garden






Government




Sample Letters to US Government




Companies--Look Who Is Listening!




10 Largest Companies





Food, Farms, and Genetic Engineering

Companies

Companies need to hear consumer opinion on genetic engineering. For the most part, processors and retailers have been quick to adopt genetically engineered (GE) foods--without informing or listening to consumers. In less than a decade, GE foods have crept into more than 60% of processed foods. Many food processors, garden and seed developers, supermarkets and garden nurseries take the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's position that GE fodos are not different than, and therefore just as safe as, foods that have been traditionally bred. And for that reason, most companies don't label--not even voluntarily.

Though Nestle USA remains supportive of biotechnology, a letter sent to customers states:

In countries where public opinion rejects ingredients derived from genetically modified crops, even though food legislation permits their use, Nestle respects the consumer's preference and will provide its customers, in as far as technically possible, with products that do not contain these ingredients.

Other companies feel the same, and have done something about it. "Look Who's Listening," below, lists a few of the companies in the U.S. that have responded to consumer concerns about GE foods, and In the Garden has information on seed companies that have signed the Safe Seed Initiative.

Though the list of companies that want more safety assurances and better regulation is slowly growing, many large corporations are reluctant to reject GE foods. Generally, supermarkets will respond to their customers' requests to get a product on the shelf.


Look who's listening . . .
Here is a list of U.S. products/ brands that to date have gone, or are taking steps to go, GE free.

Bearitos
www.thehainfoodgroup.com
516/237-6200

Cascadian Farm
www.cfarm.com
800/624-4123

Eden
www.edenfoods.com
517-456-7424

Fantastic Goods
www.fantasticfoods.com
707/778-7801

Frito-Lay
www.pepsico.com
800/433-2652

Genuardi's Family Markets (PA)
www.genuardis.com

Gerber
www.gerber.com 616/928-2347

McDonald's (potatoes only) www.mcdonalds.com
630/623-3000

Muir Glen
www.muirglen.com
800/832-6345

Ovaltine
800/442-0099

Newman's Own
www.newmansown.com
831/685-2866

Pringles
www.pg.com
800/331-3774

Rice Dream, Soy Dream
www.imaginefoods.com
650/327-1444

Spectrum Oils
www.spectrumorganic.com
800/995-2705

Whole Foods Market Brand
(also at Fresh Fields, Mrs. Gooches, Bread & Circus)
www.wholefoods.com
512/477-4455

Wild Oats Markets Brand
www.wildoats.com
303/404-5220


Mothers & Others is dedicated to making this list grow with the help of all participants in our Shoppers' Campaign on Food, Farms and Genetic Engineering.

Please write to your favorite food companies to express your concerns about the potential risks of genetically engineered foods, and to ask that they either go GE-free or label GE ingredients in their products. Companies listen to customer letters--the CEOs of Gerber, Whole Foods and Wild Oats said that consumer concerns prompted the decision to make their products GE-free. Click here for a list of the largest food companies to contact and a sample letter.

    GO TO NEXT PAGE

    Copyright 2000. Mothers & Others for a Livable Planet. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

    New York Office:
    Mothers & Others
    40 West 20th Street
    New York NY, 10011-4211