[asia-apec 1675] StarLink Action!

[Anuradha Mittal]

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 earth’s 
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.

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