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Answering GE Food Questions Originally published in the August 2000 issue of the Co-op News. by Elizabeth Ferry Genetically engineered (GE) foods entered the mainstream American diet in 1994. Except for bovine growth hormone in dairy products, the topic received little, if any, coverage in the media for four years, until 1998, when the United States Department of Agriculture and Monsanto Corporation applied for a patent on a new process they were developing, known as the “Terminator.” The “Terminator,” with its ability to control seed reproduction, caught the attention of the media and the public. As consumers learned about the Terminator technology, they began to learn, retrospectively, about genetic engineering in foods that they might have consumed in the past few years. Some consumers don’t care about genetic engineering in the food, some are of the opinion that the new technology is beneficial, and others are alarmed by unknown factors in their diet. People in this third category find themselves racing to catch up and learn more about these new food production techniques. Many Co-op customers have used the Suggestion Box to raise questions or concerns. Some of these are printed on the “Forum” page of this issue of the Co-op News. This article aims to give concerned consumers practical information regarding GE food, eating habits, and labeling information. Does the Co-op Sell GE Food? Many people want to know if the Co-op sells genetically altered food, and if so, would we label it? The answer to the first part of this question is simple: yes, we do. By virtue of carrying conventional groceries, the Co-op sells genetically engineered food. In order to be entirely free of GE products, a store would have to sell only one hundred percent certified organic products. This is because genetically engineered foods and ingredients are excluded from the organic certification process. For lack of federally mandated labels, grocery stores know no better than consumers which products actually are genetically modified. A federal law requiring a clear label would allow all levels of consumers—from grocery store merchandisers to individual customers—to know which products do and don’t contain GE ingredients. The Status of Labeling Early in 2000, the Food and Drug Administration announced a period of public comment on the topic of genetically engineered food. Many consumers, including Co-op customers, took advantage of this opportunity to express their opinion. Despite considerable public opinion in favor of mandatory labeling, the FDA holds the position that “all bio-engineered foods sold in the United States today are as safe as their non-bio-engineered counterparts.” As a result, the FDA does not find it necessary to require explicit labeling of genetically engineered foods. Commissioner Jane Henney says the labeling would add to consumers’ confusion about GE foods. What are the Likely Candidates? (or What’s Out There?) Currently there are five major crops that are genetically engineered: Canola, also known as rapeseed Cotton Field corn Potatoes Soy Canola, cottonseed, and field corn appear in the human diet primarily as ingredients in processed foods. Potato and soy derivatives—such as potato starch, soy lecithin, or soy emulsifier—are, likewise, widely used in packaged foods. To the best of our knowledge, none of the potatoes in the Co-op’s Produce Department are the genetically engineered New Leaf Potato variety. Packaged food that lists any of these five crops among its ingredients may come from a genetically engineered source. The word “may” is crucial for accuracy. Because GE crops are combined with conventional crops in the early stages of food processing, products derived from these sources are likely to include some amount of GE food. The amount contained in a food item is unknown. Scientists are experimenting with genetic engineering techniques on a variety of vegetables, fruits, and grains. The FlavrSavr ™ tomato with a flounder gene in it to extend its shelf life, a banana that delivers a medical vaccine, and rice with a genetically engineered beta carotene content are examples of this new technology. Currently none of these foods is commercially available: the FlavrSavr has been pulled from the market; the others are in the research and development phase. Diets Likely to be Lower in GE Consumption Consumers who, for any reason, want to reduce their intake of genetically engineered foods have several options. These are some practical suggestions: 1. Eat certified organic food. Certified organic food does not contain genetically engineered ingredients; no organic certifying agency permits GE food to carry the “certified organic” label. 2. Read the label on the package of conventional groceries. Conventional (i.e. not certified organic) products that list canola, cottonseed, corn, potato, or soy products in any form may be derived from GE sources. To avoid genetically engineered foods, look for a product with different ingredients. 3. Eat whole foods, including locally grown produce. “Whole foods” refers to foods that are minimally processed and are combined with few, if any, other ingredients. When buying produce from a local source, the customer has direct contact with the people who grow—and know—the food they are selling. 4. Cook from scratch. Making meals from scratch gives consumers greater control of what they eat. The Co-op has ample resources for helping customers to cook whole foods in healthful and time-efficient ways. Recipes sources include the weekly “What’s for Supper?” program, The Co-op Cookbook, and numerous pamphlets. Consumer Action Toward Labeling Despite the FDA’s recent decision on labeling, the discussion continues. Central to the debate is the consumer’s right to know how their food has been produced. Three bills have been introduced to Congress: “The Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Acts” (H.R. 3377 and S. 2080) and “The Genetically Engineered Food Safety Act” (H.R. 3383). Concerned consumers can contact their Senators and Representatives in Washington by calling the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-121. Consumers can also voice their opinions directly with food manufacturers. Most companies include a toll-free Customer Comment Line on their package. Consumers can call this number, inquire whether GE ingredients are included in a particular product, and express their support or dissent.