March 28/00 / AP
BOSTON -- Food industry leaders were cited as expressing concern that
labels identifying products with genetically modified ingredients would
scare consumers away at a gathering Tuesday at the BIO 2000 convention.
Gene Grabowski, spokesman for Grocery Manufacturers of America, was quoted
as saying, "It looks like the surgeon general's warning on cigarettes,"
referring to "a square warning label" that would be required on biogenetic
foods under a bill introduced in Congress by Ohio Democratic Representative
Dennis Kucinich.
The story says that whether they know it or not, Americans fill their
shopping carts each week with genetically altered foods. Soda, crackers,
breakfast cereals, cheeses and many other products are made with sweeteners,
fats and grains derived from modified crops.
Sixty percent to 70% of all processed foods on supermarket shelves contain
some genetically modified ingredient, Grabowski said.
Kucinich was quoted as saying from his office in Washington that, "Tobacco
companies were telling people for years and years that there's no problem
with tobacco and all of a sudden we found out differently."
The story says that no one at the conference spoke in favor of labeling,
but some said that if it comes to pass, they hoped the information would not
be presented as a warning. Several people suggested that since most
processed foods contain genetically altered ingredients, it would make more
sense for non-biogenetic foods to be labeled as such, just as organic foods
are today.
Whether or not they prevail in Congress, biotech advocates said the folks
they really have to win over are consumers.
Susan Harlander, vice president for biotechnology development and
agriculture at Pillsbury Co., was quoted as telling convention participants
to use "your own, small sphere of influence" to spread the word about the
benefits of biotech.
(posted without permission)
