CNN WORLDVIEW 18:00
October 14, 2000; Saturday
Transcript # 00101406V18
TYPE: PACKAGE
SECTION: News; Domestic
LENGTH: 394 words
HEADLINE: Safeway Recalls Taco Shells That May Contain Genetically Modified Corn
BYLINE: Wolf Blitzer, Eileen O'Connor
HIGHLIGHT:
Safeway is recalling its brand of taco shells because they may contain bioengineered
corn. This corn has only been approved for animal feed and its dangers are uncertain.
BODY:
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BE UPDATED.
WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: A product the Environmental Protection Agency
approved only for use in animal feed is being pulled from the market after it ended up in
food for humans. So far, two major companies have recalled taco shells.
CNN's Eileen O'Connor has more on why.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
EILEEN O'CONNOR, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Safeway, one of the largest
grocery chains in American, recalling boxes of its store brand taco shells after accusation
the shells contain genetically altered corn that has not been approved for human
consumption. A Safeway spokesman says the company is recalling the taco shells as a
precaution, but that Safeway does not have a confirmed verification that this variety of corn
is present in the taco shells and says there is no evidence of adverse health effect.
Genetically Altered Food Alert, a coalition of seven groups advocating the testing and
labeling of bioengineered foods, says it found the unapproved corn in the shells. Much like
the discovery of the same bioengineered corn in some 2 to 3 million taco shells recalled
by Kraft Foods last months.
Bioengineered foods are made from crops whose DNA is altered in laboratories, mainly to
make them more pest and disease resistant or more nutritious. This latest discovery of
unapproved genetically altered corn finding it's way into a food product comes at a time
when some lawmakers are calling for the labeling and safety testing of any food containing
genetically altered crops.
CAROL BROWNER, EPA COMMISSIONER: We require food manufacturers to tell
Americans how much fat, sugar, protein, carbohydrates are in a product. We require food
manufacturers to tell Americans whether an ingredient is natural or artificial.
So why not tell Americans whether the ingredients in their food are natural or genetically
engineered?
O'CONNOR: The industry argues the food is tested voluntarily, in consultation with the Food
and Drug Administration before marketing, and says the real problem here is ignorance of
the safety and potential benefits of bioengineered crops. Eileen O'Connor, CNN,
Washington.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
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