PRESS RELEASE

The Campaign to Label Genetically Engineered Foods

For Immediate Release: January 11, 2000
Contact: Craig Winters, Executive Director, 425-771-4049

THE CAMPAIGN URGES USDA SECRETARY GLICKMAN TO RECONSIDER POSITION ON 
GENETICALLY ENGINEERED FOODS

SEATTLE, WA - In the wake of Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman's 
statement Monday that he does not foresee government-mandated labeling of 
genetically modified foods in the coming year, The Campaign to Label 
Genetically Engineered Foods is calling upon Glickman to reconsider his 
position.

"Secretary Glickman's remarks show that he is out of touch
with the will of the American people," says Craig Winters, 
The Campaign's Executive Director. 
"Polls consistently show a vast majority of people surveyed want
labeling of these controversial genetically engineered foods. It's time for the
U.S. government to react accordingly."

The Campaign is asking its members and supporters to flood Glickman's 
Department of Agriculture headquarters with letters in support of labeling. A 
letter to the USDA is available to print out at The Campaign's Web
site, at www.thecampaign.org, along with hundreds of letters to members of Congress 
and other government officials. 

"The USDA has a record of going against the wishes of the American
people on many food issues," says Winters. "Two years ago, the agency
wanted to broaden the definition of "organic" foods to include
genetically engineered foods, nuclear-irradiated foods and foods grown with sewage sludge 
fertilizer. It took 280,000 letters from concerned Americans to prevent that 
action.

"We want to use that same kind of letter-writing muscle to make sure
the U.S. government protects Americans' right to know whether the foods they
are purchasing have been genetically manipulated."

An estimated two-thirds of the foods on supermarket shelves are genetically 
engineered, or contain genetically modified ingredients. The U.S. government 
has come under fire for not adequately testing genetically engineered foods 
for health and environmental risks.

Within the past year, scientists have discovered that genetically engineered 
corn may be deadly to Monarch butterflies, and that some genetically 
engineered crops may damage the soil and contaminate the environment. 

Some scientists believe genetically engineered foods may cause allergic 
reactions in some people, as well as increased resistance to drugs and 
antibiotics. They also wonder whether genetic engineering may be linked to a 
resurgence of infectious diseases. 

"Labels already are required in the European Union and several other 
countries," says Winters. "As Americans, we deserve the same
protection."

The Campaign also is spearheading a letter writing campaign in support of 
labeling legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio). The 
Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act (House Resolution 3377) would 
require any foods that have been genetically engineered, or contain 
genetically modified ingredients, to bear the following label:

"UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT NOTICE: THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS GENETICALLY 
ENGINEERED MATERIAL, OR WAS PRODUCED WITH A GENETICALLY ENGINEERED
MATERIAL."