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Tests Show Some Infant Formula, Snack Chips and
Other Common Foods
Are Genetically Engineered, But Not Labeled as Such
YONKERS, NY - Consumer Reports' tests of everyday groceries
show that genetically engineered foods are already on the shelves of
American supermarkets in products ranging from baby formulas and
tortilla chips to drink mixes, taco shells, veggie burgers and muffin
mix. The findings, reported in the September issue, indicate that
American consumers are eating genetically engineered food without
knowing it, because unlike Europe, the U.S. does not require
labeling.
There is no evidence that genetically engineered foods on the
market are not safe to eat. However, U.S. Agriculture Secretary
Glickman has told Consumer Reports, "Frankly, if the consumers demand
labeling--even if we think it doesn't convey a lot of good
stuff--we're probably going to end up with a labeling scheme."
Consumer Reports went grocery shopping this past winter and
spring at stores throughout the country and bought a variety of
processed foods containing corn or soybeans, since those crops are
the most likely to be genetically engineered. Though none of the
foods in our tests were labeled as genetically engineered, DNA
analysis showed genetically engineered ingredients in:
Genetic engineering refers to a process that has enabled
scientists to splice genetic material from any source, including
plant, animal, virus, or bacteria genes, into the DNA of other
organisms. Today, a mere three years after the first large-scale
commercial harvest, genetically engineered crops cover one-fourth of
U.S. cropland--more than 90 million acres--according to 1999 industry
estimates. That includes more than 35 percent of all corn, almost 55
percent of all soybeans, and nearly half of all cotton.
Though the controversy over genetically engineered foods in Europe
has led to mandatory labeling, U.S. consumers are largely unaware of
the issue. In a recent survey by the International Food Information
Council, just one-third of Americans surveyed were aware that
genetically engineered foods are available in the supermarket.
Proponents of genetic engineering say that crops genetically
engineered to withstand weed-killing chemicals and to resist pests
and diseases have led to dramatic improvements in the sustainability
of large-scale agriculture. However some worry that insects will
become resistant to pesticides in genetically engineered crops.
Organic farm organizations have joined other groups in a lawsuit that
seeks to revoke the EPA registration of crops genetically engineered
with the natural pesticide Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) bacterium. Bt
is one of the most effective natural pesticides organic farmers are
allowed to use and they fear that insects will soon become resistant
to Bt, leaving them with far less effective strategies to fight
pests. If U.S. consumers want to avoid GE food, their only option is
to buy organic products.
Some scientists have raised concerns about whether the process of
genetic engineering could inadvertently increase natural toxins or
decrease nutrients in some foods. Others fear that some people could
have an allergic reaction to one or more of the new proteins in
genetically engineered foods. In the mid-1990s, pre-market screening
of soybeans modified with the gene of a Brazil nut caused allergic
reactions among some volunteers who were allergic to Brazil nuts. The
soy was not marketed after reactions were seen, but there is no
mandatory screening process to guarantee that an unanticipated
allergen will be detected or withheld from the market before a
product is widely distributed.
A number of serious environmental concerns, highlighted by reports
earlier this year that Bt corn may imperil the monarch butterfly, are
also associated with genetically modified crops. European scientists
have reported lab studies indicating that GE crops could harm
ladybugs and green lacewings, two beneficial insects. Some scientists
worry that pollen from crops that have been modified to resist
herbicides will be transferred to other plants to create "superweeds"
or that seeds modified with an antibiotic gene will hasten the
serious problem of antibiotic resistance.
The European Union's decision that GE foods must be labeled may
lead to serious trade disputes with the U.S. The E.U. has already
prohibited imports of unapproved varieties of GE corn, virtually
stopping U.S. corn exports worth $200 million.
The September issue of Consumer Reports will be available
August 31 wherever magazines are sold. To subscribe to Consumer
Reports, call 1-800-765-1845. In addition, information and articles
from Consumer Reports can be accessed online at www.ConsumerReports.org.
The material above is intended for use by
legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for commercial or
promotional purposes. Consumer Reports is published by Consumers
Union, an independent, nonprofit testing and information-gathering
organization, serving only the consumer. We are a comprehensive
source of unbiased advice about products and services, personal
finance, health, nutrition, and other consumer concerns. Since 1936,
our mission has been to test products, inform the public, and protect
consumers.
