McDonald's Bans GE Feed in its Chicken Products in Europe

Press Reslease Greenpeace Canada November 14, 2000
McDonald's promises GM-free animal food in Europe; will Canada be next?

Toronto - Responding to pressure from Greenpeace, McDonald's today
announced that by April 2001 all its restaurants in Germany, Denmark
and Sweden will serve only chicken raised on feed free of genetically
modified ingredients.

Greenpeace urged the company to extend this commitment to Canada.
"McDonald's has realized that the majority of consumers do not want
genetically modified (GM) food - even in animal products, such as dairy
products and meat, "said Greenpeace campaigner Michael Khoo. "If the
company can protect its customers from GM food in several countries, it
should guarantee Canadians that same protection."

In July, Greenpeace Germany proved that McDonald's fed genetically
modified soya to chickens, which were then sold as Chicken McNuggets and
McChicken Burgers to its customers. Local Greenpeace groups in more than
50 German cities have protested in front of the fast-food outlets with a
message "Los Genos: Genetic Engineering Week at McDonalds".

McDonald's commitment comes after its competitor in Germany, Burger
King, had previously declared its chicken to be GM-free as of 2001.
Germany's largest chicken producers already guarantee that the soya they
use has not been genetically modified.

"The demand for GM-free animal feed in increasing. At least 15 000
hectares of land are planted with soya just to feed the chickens for
McDonald's in Germany. This is an issue for all food companies.
It is growing and will not go away," says Khoo.

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For more information:
Cim Nunn 416/597-8408
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michael khoo, greenpeace genetic engineering campaign
ph:416.597.8408x3017 cell:416.569.8408 fax:416.597.8422
250 dundas st. w. # 605, toronto, on, m5t 2z5
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