As the first formal action of its campaign, Genetically Engineered Food Alert called on the Campbell Soup Company to remove genetically engineered ingredients from its products until all safety testing has been completed, and to label such products immediately. The campaign also announced plans to add to efforts already in progress seeking removal of genetically engineered ingredients from Kellogg's products. Because of consumer concern, Campbell's, like Kellogg's, has ceased using genetically engineered soy or corn in any of its products in Europe. As with nutrition labels that provide basic information about content of food products, Genetically Engineered Food Alert organizers believe that consumers have a right to know that they are eating genetically engineered foods.
American consumers are the subject of a nationwide food experiment.
The organizations that created Genetically Engineered Food Alert are the Center for Food Safety, Friends of the Earth, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, National Environmental Trust, Organic Consumers Association, Pesticide Action Network North America, and the State Public Interest Research Groups. The campaign began today with the endorsement of more than 250 chefs, religious leaders, doctors, environmental and health leaders, farm interests and scientists. In addition to seeking endorsements, Genetically Engineered Food Alert will document and bring to light problems with genetically engineered foods through a series of reports. The coalition will also register consumer comments and submit them to government and corporate officials. Genetically Engineered Food Alert calls on major food corporations to remove all genetically engineered ingredients from their products and on the FDA to remove genetically engineered food and crops from the market until they have been fully tested.