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MASSPIRG's survey of Massachusetts residents on genetically engineered
foods
MASSPIRG
April 23, 2001
SUMMARY:
Genetically engineered foods are a recent addition to our food supply
and have not been proven safe for human health or the environment.
The purpose of this report was to document public opinion in Massachusetts
on genetically engineered foods. The survey results are based on
331 informal surveys collected throughout the state. Eighty-five
percent of respondents were concerned about the health and environmental
impacts of genetically engineered foods. In addition, 97% believed
they had a right to know about which foods are genetically engineered
and 96% believe we should have required testing for health and environmental
impacts before they are put into food. Respondents suffered from
82 food allergies including more unusual allergies from foods such
as kiwis, tomatoes, and wheat.
These results demonstrate the need for stronger regulations for
genetically engineered foods including:
- Mandatory pre-market
testing for human health and environmental safety,
- Required labeling,
and
- Liability clearly
assigned to the biotechnology companies for any harm that comes
from genetically engineered products.
CONCLUSIONS:
Consumer Knowledge:
Ninety percent of respondents were aware that genetically engineered
foods are being sold in grocery stores. Approximately, 60% of processed
food contains genetically engineered ingredients, however, only
29% of the respondents gave the correct answer. The results show
that although most people are aware food is being genetically engineered,
the majority of people do not know what percentage of their food
is genetically engineered.
Food Allergies:
We found that 18% of respondents indicated they suffered
from 82 different food allergies. People surveyed had allergies
to a wide variety of foods including kiwis, onions, peppermint,
and eggplant. Nine of the 82 allergies listed were to wheat. Less
than half of the listed allergies were to nuts, dairy, or fish.
Genetically engineered foods have been shown to transfer their allergenic
properties. For example, a soybean genetically engineered with Brazil
nut genes was found to cause allergic reactions in people with known
brazil nut allergies. The fact that the public suffers a wide range
of unpredictable allergies is not taken into consideration by biotechnology
companies. While many companies have pledged not to use common allergens,
such as dairy, shellfish, and nuts, they do not limit the other
food ingredients. These results strongly suggest that consumers
are unknowingly at risk from genes transferred during genetic engineering
that may cause allergic reactions.
Stricter Regulation:
The consumers surveyed strongly believed there should be
stricter regulations of genetically engineered foods. Eighty-five
percent of survey respondents were concerned about the health and
environmental impacts of genetically engineered foods.
- An overwhelming majority,
97% believed that they have the right to know which foods are
genetically engineered.
- 96% of respondents
believed that genetically engineered foods should be required
to undergo testing for health and environmental safety before
they are put in food.
- 82% of respondent
believed that the manufacturers should be responsible for the
costs of any harm.
Current regulations require no mandatory labeling or pre-market
testing of genetically engineered foods. Federal regulations also
do not make clear who should be responsible if genetically engineered
foods cause human health, environmental, or crop damage.
The public's concern about the safety of genetically engineered
foods is supported by initial experiences and scientific studies
that indicate genetically engineered foods may cause serious harm.
A study performed on genetically engineered potatoes caused harm
to the digestive tracts of rats. Farmers in the Midwest trying to
protect their fields from contamination with genetically engineered
crops have had a lot difficulty. This contamination has caused financial
losses for some and is especially damaging for organic farmers who
can lose their organic certification. Furthermore, there have been
no long-term studies done on the health impacts of genetically engineered
foods.
Based on the results this informal public opinion poll, the inadequate
federal regulations on genetically engineered foods, and concerns
of potential environmental and health damage, we recommend that:
- The manufacturers
of genetically engineered foods should be held liable for the
harm that come from the use of their products,
- Genetically engineered
foods are required to undergo rigorous pre-market safety testing,
and
- All genetically engineered
food should be labeled to give consumers the right to know.
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