Friends of the Earth Action (The c4 political arm of Friends of the Earth) asked Al Gore what his position is on several pressing environmental concerns. His response on GE foods is below. If you would like to see the full reply on other issues like global warming, ozone depletion, corporatization and budget and tax issues affecting the planet, go to: http://www.foeaction.org/
Friends of the Earth Action's Request:
5. Genetically Engineered Foods
Goal: Increase consumer information and safety of genetically engineered foods
Action: Commit to a mandatory labelling program for genetically engineered food and establish an effective pre-market safety testing program for genetically engineered organisms before they enter the marketplace. Until consumer labelling and adequate health and safety testing programs are in place, announce a moratorium on approvals and new releases of genetically engineered organisms.
Al Gore's response:
To increase consumer information, I support new guidelines for voluntary labeling of bioengineered products to facilitate consumer choice.
After a comprehensive review, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) recommended additional regulatory safeguards and research to identify and control any potential risks to the environment and to food safety.
I strongly favor implementing the NAS recommendations and continuing to evaluate and improve our regulatory system, on an ongoing basis, to ensure that we can realized the benefits of biotechnology while guarding against undue risk to food safety and to our environment.
As with any new technology, we must carefully weigh the risks and benefits of genetically modified organisms, particularly with respect to food safety and potential environmental impacts.
In regard to testing, the Administration announced in May 2000 that it will work with stakeholders to create reliable testing procedures and quality assurance programs for differentiating non-bioengineered commodities to better meet the needs of the market.
