Nader Calls for Moratorium on GE Food

Press Release
October 6, 2000

Nader Joins Call to Action on Genetically Engineered Foods
Farmers and consumers both lose, Nader says

WASHINGTON, DC -Long-time consumer advocate and Green Party
presidential candidate Ralph Nader today joined a long list of farmers,
consumers, environmentalists, and scientists demanding a moratorium on
the use of genetically engineered (GE) products in food.

"Genetic engineering of food has far outrun the science that must be
its first governing discipline. Many unknowns attend the insertion of
genes across species, from ecological risks to food allergies. These
unknowns beg for investigation," stated Nader in a recent letter to the
Sierra Club.

The call to action, initiated by the Genetically Engineered Food Alert--a
coalition of environmental and consumer groups--demands that genetically
engineered food ingredients or crops should not be allowed on the market
unless:

1) Independent safety testing demonstrates they have no harmful effects
on human health or the environment;

2) They are labeled to ensure the consumer's right-to-know; and

3) The biotechnology corporations that manufacture them are held
responsible for any harm.

Nader suggested that a fourth condition be added to the list, that
genetically engineered food ingredients or crops should not be allowed
on the market unless "there are significant benefits for human needs not
available outside this technology."

"Genetic engineering represents nothing less than a
going-out-of-business sale on genetic diversity," said Nader.

In addition to outcry from consumers, a growing number of farmers and
farm organizations have been voicing opposition to GE foods. In November
of last year, the National Family Farm Coalition issued a "Farmer's
Declaration on Genetic Engineering in Agriculture" which calls for many
of the same demands. "For too long farmers have had their management
practices dictated by corporate agribusiness. Consolidation in
agribusiness has led to fewer options for seed and inputs and fewer
markets for farmers to sell to." said Nader.

"The Clinton-Gore Administration has been extremely cozy with the GE
industry and Bush promises only to be more so. Why is an inadequately
tested technology with so much potential for causing irreversible
environmental harm being imposed on an unwilling public and foisted upon
a dis-empowered farming community? This is yet another example of
corporate agribusiness interests pitting farmers against consumers,"
added Nader.

Coalition members of the Genetically Engineered Food Alert include: the
State Public Interest Research Groups, the National Environmental Trust,
the Center for Food Safety, the Institute for Agriculture and Trade
Policy, the Organic Consumers Association, Friends of the Earth, and the
Pesticide Action Network of North America.