[asia-apec 1675] StarLink Action!
Anuradha Mittal
amittal at foodfirst.org
Wed Nov 22 07:57:44 JST 2000
Starlink, a variety of genetically engineered corn which is only
approved for animal consumption, recently leaked into the human food
supply. The corn caused allergic reactions in consumers, and was
recalled by the USDA. However, a portion of the corn remains
unaccounted for.
Aventis, the European company that developed Starlink, is asking the EPA
to lift the restrictions on Starlink products for a limited time. It
submitted new information arguing that Starlink is safe to consume, and
that the unaccounted-for products should be allowed to remain on the
market.
On October 30th, the EPA began a thorough scientific and public review
of the information submitted by Aventis. A 30-day public comment period
began on November 1st. After the public comment period finishes, a
formal scientific peer review will begin. The EPA expects to hold the
scientific peer review meeting, which will be open to the public, during
the last week of November. More information about this Federal Register
notice and related documents can be found on EPA's web site at:
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/biopesticides.
Food First urges you to take advantage of this opportunity to make your
voice heard. Write to the EPA and let them know you do not want
genetically modified foods on your grocery store shelves. Insist that
they conduct thorough testing of all genetically modified foods to
assure their safety for human consumption, as well as for the earths
biodiversity. Tell the EPA to do their job as a regulatory agency and
deny approval of Starlink corn for human consumption.
A sample letter to the EPA follows. You can also e-mail the EPA
commissioners at opp-docket at epa.gov, but letters are more effective.
Ms. Carol Browner, Administrator
Public Information and Records Integrity Branch
Information Resources and Services Division (7502C)
Office of Pesticide Programs
Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20460
Docket Control No. PF-867B
Dear Ms. Browner,
The EPA is considering approval of products containing genetically
engineered StarLink corn for human consumption. StarLink was approved
only for animal feed and industrial uses because it contains a plant
pesticide, Cry9C, which is a suspected food allergen. According to the
EPA's Scientific Advisory Panel, Cry9C possesses the two properties that
are "the best available criteria presently known [for food allergen
proteins]: 1) heat stability and 2) resistance to digestion."
StarLink is already in the food supply, but some products containing it
have been recalled to protect public health. Approval now for food use
would not only subject Americans to the risk of allergies, but would
also undermine the credibility of the EPA. I urge you not to let EPA be
bullied by the food and biotech industries. Deny the petition for food
use of StarLink. Thoroughly investigate all alleged cases of allergic
reactions and subject StarLink to stringent allergenicity tests. Japan
has refused to accept StarLink in its food supply. Americans deserve no
less.
Sincerely yours,
Name:
Address:
Signature: _____________________________
Join the fight against hunger. For more information contact foodfirst at foodfirst.org.
___________________________________________________________
T O P I C A http://www.topica.com/t/17
Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
More information about the Asia-apec
mailing list