While in the U.S., we are consuming genetically engineered food without our knowledge, in London, regulations requiring all restaurants to identify dishes containing genetically modified ingredients came into force on Sunday, September 19th, 1999. Even food manufacturers are becoming aware of the consumer demand for non-genetically altered foods. Nissin Food Products announced on September 10th that it intends to stop using genetically engineered US-grown soybeans. In so doing, it is joining the likes of Kirin Brewery in shunning genetic technology out of respect for consumer fears. Grupo Maseca, Mexico's leading producer of corn flour, recently announced it will no longer purchase any genetically modified corn.
Corn flour is made into tortillas, a Mexican staple.
Canada has outlawed the use of BHT in milk, yet the US, no doubt due to monetary pressure exerted by PAC groups, continues to allow BHT in milk. No doubt, the presence of genetically engineered foods in our stores is due to the same source - corporations with big bucks buying their way into our government. In Tokyo, Jusco Co Ltd will become the first major Japanese supermarket operator to label food products based on the genetic origin of the crops used. In Australia, the government has taken a stand. In the U.S., Mothers for Natural Law, the National Coordinators for the Consumer Right to Know is sponsoring a One Million Signature Campaign.