Not Approved For Human Consumption

As you know by now, millions of boxes of Taco Bell brand taco shells were recalled by Kraft after testing positive for a type of bio-engineered corn that is not approved for human consumption. It contains the protein "CRY9C," which is heat stable, and does not break down in the human digestive system, making it a potential allergen.

The EPA and FDA both have expressed concern over the incident, though neither organization has any facilities in place to test for potential accidents in the future.

Information released in mid-October suggests that millions of pounds of consumer products are also tainted with the "not-for-human-consumption" corn, Safeway taco shells and corn products the newest recall. Consumers can expect many more recalls in the coming months.

The FDA claims to work in the public's best interest, but is clearly mired in conflict of interest. The FDA is comprised of a number of well-placed staffers who have ties to the biotechnology industry, and act in their interest.

"We've been saying for a long time that federal authorities should be doing this testing, but so far it's been left to groups like us," said Larry Bohlen of Friends of the Earth, the group that paid to have the taco shells tested.

As many are pointing out, the regulating agency has yet to catch a single problem, though there have been several already. With lax federal oversight and no established protocol to determine liability, we are missing contamination today and in the future.

This incident only underscores the need for our government to reconsider its view on the genetic modification of our food supply.

Keep in mind that Kraft is part of a multinational corporation that is known for putting profit ahead of the public health. Kraft is a subsidiary of Phillip Morris, rapidly becoming the largest food company in America. In efforts to diversify and shore up the image of the world's number one tobacco corporation, Phillip Morris recently acquired Nabisco as well.

New information suggests that thousands of other consumer corn products could also be tainted with the "not-approved-for-human-consumption" GE corn. Watch for updates in future weeks.

Other GM News

• A Texas company was forced to destroy $87,000 worth of corn chips after DNA tests showed an organic grower had been contaminated.

• Despite a poll that showed 92% of Americans supporting legal requirements that all genetically engineered foods be labeled, the Grocery Manufacturers of America is actively lobbying on Capitol Hill to oppose labeling requirements.

• rBGH, the cow growth hormone, has been linked to
a rise in lymphatic cancer, which has increased 20 times since the introduction of rBGH into the food supply in the early 1990's.

• GM additives include: ascorbic acid, anti-caking agents, caramel coloring, emulsifiers, fats, flavorings, fructose, glucose, lypopene, maltodextrin, maltose, MSG, sucrose, Vitamin C, xanthan gum, and yeast. Buy organic!