For Immediate Release UK and US airlines still using Genetically Modified ingredients and derivatives in their menus 1 March 2000 - London, UK. Every day, thousands of air travellers on UK and US airlines are eating Genetically Modified foods which have not been labelled, despite the Food Labelling (Amendment) Regulations, which came into force on 19 September 1999. On 30 August 1999, researcher and frequent flyer Marcus Williamson wrote to the following airlines to determine the position being taken on Genetically Modified foods, ingredients and derivatives : * British Airways * Continental * Delta * TWA * United Airlines * Virgin Atlantic Six months later, none of these airlines has been able to provide a definitive statement that their foods do not contain Genetically Modified ingredients. Most have responded indicating that they are still researching this matter. The Food Labelling (Amendment) regulations make it a legal requirement for catering establishments, including airlines and trains, to label Genetically Modified ingredients where present. Examples of the responses received include : British Airways "As you know we operate a very large world-wide network and it takes considerable time for all suppliers to check their sources although, of course, GM food is not such an issue in many countries where the crops have not yet been grown." (14 February 2000, from Dr Hugh Somerville, Head of Environment. Telephone 0181 738 5814) Continental "Continental Airlines is not aware that genetically modified foods are served on the aircraft, as the FDA guidelines do not require such foods to be labelled..." (19 November 1999, from Louise Colbran, Customer Care Manager. Telephone 01293 822690) Delta "We hope to revert to you with a more complete response in the near future. In the mean time, your ongoing patience is appreciated." (4 November 1999, from Marco Sensi, Manager, Consumer Affairs. Telephone 0181 601 6080) TWA No response at all. (Telephone 01293 502899) United "At this point we are still looking carefully at the issues you have raised and are presently not in a position to provide you with more information." (19 November 1999, from Pamela Astill, Duty Manager, Customer Services. Telephone 0181 276 6678) Virgin "We have taken advice from government agencies, consulted with food industry organisations and conducted a great deal of research to thoroughly understand the issues. At the same time we have been seeking detailed information concerning the specific ingredients used in the food products offered inflight." (29 October 1999, from Jenny Groom, Inflight Services Manager Telephone 01293 562345) Marcus Williamson, who carried out this survey, comments : "I am very disappointed to see that UK and US airlines are not taking this matter seriously. I would have hoped to see them follow the excellent lead set by most UK supermarkets and restaurants in completely removing all GM ingredients from their products. I'm avoiding GM foods in all areas of my life and would also like to be sure that I'm not contaminating myself with GM foods when flying." "I was interested to read that delegates to the OECD conference on genetically modified food in Edinburgh won't be eating GM food at the conference. However, they will be exposed to GM ingredients and derivatives in airline food, when travelling to and from the conference, without their knowledge." Notes for Editors The Food Labelling (Amendment) regulations, which came into force on 19 September 1999, apply to food served on aeroplanes and trains. In the case of aeroplanes, GM food must be labelled if served within an aeroplane of a UK-based airline at all times, and on all airlines when over UK airspace. The implementation of these regulations can be compared with Saudi law which bans the use of alcohol on all flights over Saudi Arabia. The regulations are enforced by Trading Standards in each county in the UK. For more information on the Food Labelling (Amendment) regulations contact MAFF on 0171 238 6380. Contact : Marcus Williamson E-mail : marcus@myrealbox.com http://www.connectotel.com/gmfood