Apr. 29 2000 / N.Y. Times/AP
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. -- Shareholders were cited as overwhelmingly defeating a resolution to force Kellogg Co. to stop using genetically altered crops.
The story says that Friday's vote came amid claims from two groups of nuns that the crops are unsafe and put the company at risk for lawsuits.
Regardless, the resolution was voted down by 94 percent of the shareholders.
Chief executive Carlos Gutierrez was quoted as telling shareholders that, "If we thought there was anything ... that even hinted at these products being unsafe, we would have taken them our of our food a long time ago."
The story adds that activists, including Greenpeace, have lobbied the world's leading cereal company to end use of genetically altered ingredients.
The company has removed or is in the process of removing such ingredients from its European and Australian products, but has declined to do so in the United States, citing a lack of consumer interest and insufficient scientific evidence.
Greenpeace spokesman Charles Margulis was quoted as saying, "They need 3 percent to get it on the ballot for next year. That's pretty good for a first-year resolution on a subject that a lot of people never heard of six months ago."
Sister Judy Schroeder of Sisters of St. Joseph was cited as calling it a victory that their voices were heard. , adding, "I think we have an obligation to future generations to not harm the very fragile balance of the ecosystem."
The story notes that Coca-Cola's shareholders rejected a similar proposal last week.
(posted without permission)
