1.Biotech bullying etc.
2.Nanotechnology in your food
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1.Biotech bullying etc.

[Extracted from OCA's
Organic Bytes
www.organicconsumers.org ]

BIOTECH ALERT OF THE WEEK:
STOP BUSH'S BIOTECH BULLYING!

According to the Chicago Tribune, the White House is attempting to force famine stricken countries, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, to plant genetically engineered (GE) crops, as part of a $770 million aid package. Untested and largely unregulated GE crops are controversial, not only in Europe and other industrialized countries, but in the developing world as well. At least 40 countries around the world have restricted GE farming and ingredients in foods by requiring mandatory labeling, while a number of nations and regions have banned genetically modified organisms in agriculture altogether. Beyond health and environmental concerns, and contrary to industry propaganda, GE crops do not significantly increase yields, but rather force farmers to stop saving their seeds and instead buy toxic chemicals and highly priced patented seeds from biotech companies such as Monsanto, Syngenta, Bayer, Dupont, Dow,'s and BASF. Please take action today and urge your members of Congress to reject the Bush Administration's force-feeding of biotech crops to impoverished nations: http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_12463.cfm
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'FRANKENFOODS' SURVEY OF THE WEEK: CBS NEWS & NEW YORK TIMES POLL CONSUMERS ABOUT GE FOODS

53%: Percentage of polled Americans who say they won't buy food that has ingredients from genetically engineered (GE) plants.

65%: Actual percentage of products on grocery store shelves that contain unlabeled GE ingredients (usually soy or corn derived).

90%: Portion of U.S. grown soybeans that are genetically engineered.

99%: Estimated likelihood that the U.S. sugar supply will start to be sourced from genetically engineered plants this year.

Learn more: http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_12246.cfm
Take action: http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_7031.cfm
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RELATED QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
BIOTECH CORPORATIONS PREPARE TO PROFIT OFF CLIMATE CRISIS WITH NEW 'CLIMATE-READY' GE-PLANTS

"In the face of climate chaos and a deepening world food crisis, the Gene Giants are gearing up for a PR offensive to re-brand themselves as climate saviors. The companies hope to convince governments and reluctant consumers that genetic engineering is the essential adaptation strategy to insure agricultural productivity. Globally, the top 10 seed corporations already control 57% of commercial seed sales. This is a bid to capture as much of the rest of the market as possible."

Source: Hope Shand, Research Director of ETC Group (Action Group on Erosion, Technology and Concentration), speaks of the recent research indicating that the world's largest biotech companies are developing and patenting hundreds of varieties of new "climate ready" genetically engineered crops designed to supposedly endure the worst of global climate change. The ETC Group is mobilizing people around the world to censure these companies for focusing on profitable ways of taking advantage of the climate crisis, rather than looking for solutions to the actual problem. http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_12278.cfm
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SUSTAINABILITY FACTS OF THE WEEK:
SMALL FARMS ARE MORE PRODUCTIVE AND PROFITABLE

A 1,000 acre U.S. corporate farm growing genetically engineered crops nets an average of $39 an acre.
In contrast, a four-acre family farm nets, on average, $1,400 per acre.

Small organic farms are proving to be even more profitable. With oil prices on the rise, growing food without petroleum-based pesticides/fertilizers, and delivering that food to local markets will quickly prove to be the most affordable food available.
Source: New York Times
http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_12216.cfm
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2.Nanotechnology in your food

[Extracted from nlpwessex bulletin
www.nlpwessex.org ]

There may be appropriate uses for nanotechnology, but the food supply is surely not one of them.

"Carbon nanotubes, the poster child of the burgeoning nanotechnology industry, could trigger diseases similar to those caused by asbestos, a
study suggests.... They are already known to be incorporated into products
such as tennis rackets, bicycle handlebars and baseball bats, where they are used because of their strength and light weight. Other undocumented products may also make use of them, the researchers said, but companies did not have a duty to report their use."
'Asbestos warning' on nanotubes
BBC Online, 20 May 2008
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7408705.stm
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http://action.foe.org/pressRelease.jsp?press_release_KEY=343
Nanotech Exposed in Grocery Store Aisles
Friemds of the Earth, March 11 2008

Report finds Miller Light, Cadbury and other brands have toxic risks

WASHINGTON, D.C.””Untested nanotechnology is being used in more than 100 food products, food packaging and contact materials currently on the shelf, without warning or new FDA testing, according to a report released today by Friends of the Earth.

The report, Out of the Laboratory and onto Our Plates: Nanotechnology in Food and Agriculture, found nanomaterials in popular products and packaging including Miller Light beer, Cadbury Chocolate packaging
and ToddlerHealth, a nutritional drink powder for infants sold extensively at health food stores including WholeFoods.

“Nanotech food was put on our plates without FDA testing for consumer safety,” said Ian Illuminato, Friends of the Earth Health and Environment Campaigner. "Consumers have a right to know if they are
taste-testing a dangerous new technology."

Existing regulations require no new testing or labeling for
nanomaterials when they are created from existing approved chemicals, despite major differences in potential toxicity. The report reveals
toxicity risks of nanomaterials such as organ damage and decreased immune system response.

“Nanotechnology can be very dangerous when used in food,” said report co-author Dr Rye Senjen. “Early scientific evidence indicates that some nanomaterials produce free radicals which destroy or mutate DNA and can cause damage to the liver and kidneys.”

Report co-author Georgia Miller, Friends of the Earth Australia Nanotechnology Project Coordinator, said many of the world's largest food companies, including Heinz, Nestle, Unilever and Kraft are
currently using and testing nanotechnology for food processing and packaging. Without increased federal oversight, these companies could
begin sale of these products whenever they choose.