Evening star., 1959-11-12
WoySoughtto Aid Producers
Hurt by Cranberry Alarm

NNAAAS eSoSo AOA hAOAS NOAA-
taminated cranberries went
forward today the Agriculture
Department sought ways Of
giving financial relief to pro-
ducers caught in the middle
in the tainted cranberry scare.
Food and Drug Administra-
ton experts testing in II Ma
tion-wide districts thus far
have turned UP no additional
evidence Of contamination.
The tests are Just under way
and. win continue until the
FDA can tell the public
whether, in its opinion, cram
berries should be purchased.
Appeal to President
In a telegram to President
Eisenhower and others, the
head Of Ocean Spray Cranber-
ries, Inc. a national co-opera-
tive, asked assistance in obtain
ing a fair hearing" on the
contamination issue.
George C. P. OLSON said
millions Of dollars were being
lost to the industry, meaning
tax losses and the possibility
that thousands Of workers will
have to seek relief.
Mr.. OLSON said he wanted a
"fair hearing whcih is the most
basic constitutional right Of
every American citizen"
Thus far in only a fraction
of the huge 1859 crop has
there been found traces of
aminotriazole, the weed-killing
chemical which causes cancer
in rats. Two shipments of
such cranberries, produced in
the Northwest, have been seized
by Government court action in
California.
Most experts believe the
chemical was misused in only
that area, and that the much,
larger production of Massa-
chusetts, Wisconsin and New
Jersey will be found safe for
use. However the FDA has
advised the public against buy
ing cranberriss until it gives
the word.
This has brought nothing but
CONSERVATION to producers,
who see their most profitable
Thanksgiving and perhaps 1
Christmas sales knocked out. \
FDA hopes to speed tests and
let consumers know before
Thanksgiving whether to in {
clude the red berries with their
turkey.
Finucane Waits Report
Meanwhile, DR.. Daniel L.
Finucane, District health di-
rector, today said the Health
Department is not in a position
to make a firm recommenda-
ton, but added that, "At the
present time it appears logical
to delay the eating of
cranberrieS until more definite
information becomes avail
able. :"
DR.. Finucane declared I'VE
are awaiting further reports !
of the studies that are being
conducted by the Federal Food
and Drug Administration and
as soon as sufficient informa-
tion becomes available concern
ing these studies the department
will issue a further statement"
In Seattle Assistant Agricul-
ture Secretary E. h. Peterson
said the Government was
morally obligated to repair
damage done innocent cram
berry producers.
He suggested special legisla-
ton to permit Federal purchase
of edible (non-contaminated)
cranberries which have become
unmarketable because of mis-
use OF weedicide by a small
segment of the industry"
Investigation Asked
The sentiment was echoed by
others. Senator Williams, Dem
ocrat of New Jersey, said the
Government should fully re-
1mburse farmers for their
losses.
Gov. Albert D. Rosellini Of
Washington called for a con- {
gressional investigation and the
National Grange asked for a
tull Government explanation.
With sales of cranberries at a 1
virtual standstill, the Army and
Navy suspended use of WASH s
ington and Oregon cranberries t
In mess halls and commissaries,
but said berries from other t
areas would be used. 8
Hoping to rebuild public {
confidence, 1t. Gov. Philleo
Nash Of Wisconsin will toast =
Senator Kennedy, Democrat Of !
Massachusetts, with cranberry I
juice at a Democratic dinner 8
tonight. :