Grassroots Alliance for Labeling GMOs in Austin
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DIVERSE ALLIANCE IN AUSTIN TEXAS SEEKS LABELING OF GENETICALLY ENGINEERED FOODS
Contact: Wendy Darling
media@occupyaustin.org
AUSTIN, TX, Feb. 14th, 2012 – Two weeks ago, a grassroots alliance of consumers, food manufacturers, politicians, public health and environmental organizations delivered a letter to the Austin City Council asking for swift passage of a resolution requiring labeling for genetically engineered foods within the Austin city limits.
The resolution would require foods which contain more than 1% genetically engineered (GE) ingredients, also known as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), to be clearly labeled similar to other nutritional labels currently required on packaged foods. A national survey conducted by MSNBC showed that 96% of over 45,000 people believe genetically modified foods should be labeled.
Austin-local chip manufacturer Beanitos strongly supports labeling of all GMO foods, and all of their products are Non-GMO Project verified. CEO Doug Foreman explains, “It’s simple really – you walk into any grocery store and can read a label to determine if your food contains gluten, high fructose corn syrup, trans-fats or MSG . We want GMO food to be labeled so people can choose – and can make an informed decision about what they eat.”
“Our concern is the risk that these novel, genetically engineered proteins [GMOs] present to the health of all children, particularly those with food allergies,” says Robyn O’Brien, a TEDx speaker, native Texan, author and founder of the Allergy Kids Foundation, “common popular foods in the United States contain chemicals and toxins that have been linked to alarming recent increases in food allergies, ADHD, cancer, and asthma in our children.”
The GMO corn made by Monsanto is classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as an insecticide, yet Americans eat this “insecticide” present in 70% of all corn production in the USA. The Grocery Manufacturers Association estimates that 80% of food in most grocery stores contains genetically modified ingredients. GMOs have been shown to cause severe allergic reactions in humans, increase the number of allergies present in the environment, create antibiotic resistance in plants and humans, create immune suppression, and are linked to organ failure and even cancer.
In a recent example, an independent Canadian study found that a toxin from GE corn was present in the bloodstream of 93% of pregnant women, as well as in 80% of their fetal cord blood. The biotechnology industry and FDA claim these toxins are completely broken down by the human digestive system before entering the bloodstream, and the FDA supports their claim with both the lack of labeling and regulation.
On both sides of the aisle, experts agree that mandatory labeling of genetically engineered foods is a prerequisite to providing a critical method for tracking the potential health effects of consuming genetically engineered foods.
Over 17 states across the nation have GMO labeling initiatives currently stalled “in committee.” Despite wide-spread political, business and voter support, stalling has been the most successful tactic used nationally to keep this issue silenced for over ten years. Swift action is the only acceptable response to over ten years of national in-action on this urgent health and safety issue.
Broad-based Support for GMO Labeling
These organizations and individuals are in favor of manufactures labeling products that contain GMOs
- Grocers: Whole Foods, Fresh Plus, Wheatsville Coop, Natural Grocers, Ingredients, SFC Farmer’s Market
- Non-Profits: Allergy Kids Foundation, Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance, Sustainable Food Center, Institute for Responsible Technology
- Political Organizations: Texas Senator Kirk Watson, Texas Congressman Lloyd Doggett, Texas Representative Donna Howard, Sierra Club (National and Texas Chapter), Austin City Council member Mike Martinez, Austin City Council candidate Laura Pressley, Austin Earth Day, Liberal Austin Democrats, Bastrop County Commissioners Court, Texas Nationalist Movement, Justice Party of Texas, Million Musician March for Peace
- Food Producers: Earth Balance, Zico Coconut Water, Beanitos Bean Chips, Urban Patchwork Neighborhood Farms, Windsor Park Community Gardens, Austin Permaculture Collective
- Health Practitioners: Natural Health Center of Texas, Excelon Health LLC, Austin Yoga + Parental & Faith Organizations: Central Texas ‘Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies’ Coalition, Occupy Austin Interfaith Working Group
City of Austin Council-members Current Positions on the GMO labeling issue
Mike Martinez is the only council member to make a public statement in support of GMO labeling. Council member Martinez has a history of endorsing pro-farmer resolutions. However, his office has done nothing since January 31st, when Occupy Austin delivered their letter asking for him to address the issue.
Bill Spelman‘s office has begun legal research into municipal GMO labeling resolutions such as in Boulder, Colorado and over 40 cities across California. However, they have refused Occupy Austin’s offer to provide legal assistance on the issue.
Chris Riley‘s office acknowledged that they received Occupy Austin’s letter, but have taken no action and declined to make a public statement about GMO labeling.
Kathie Tovo and Laura Morrison‘s office would not confirm that they received the letter and have not returned several phone calls over the last two weeks.
About the Educated Austin Alliance
The EduAustin Alliance represents educated consumers and citizens in Austin Texas. Dedicated to transparency and the urgent and innovative belief in people. EduAustin’s first goal is to create a unified stand against Genetically Engineered food and make Austin a GMO-free zone.
About Occupy Austin
Occupy Austin is an occupation and peaceful protest that began on October 6, 2011 at City Hall in Austin, Texas, vowing to end the moneyed corruption of our democracy. It is affiliated with the Occupy Wall Street movement that began in New York City, and also with the “Occupy” protests in the United States and around the world.
Occupy Genetically Engineered Foods!
An action alert from the Center For Food Safety
Sen. Boxer and Rep. De Fazio wrote a “Dear Colleague” letter which went public February 8th, urging U.S. legislators to support the labeling of GE foods. This is the first initiative of its kind in Congress and is a great opportunity to urge your Congressional representatives to sign on to the letter and support mandatory labeling!
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Please call or email your legislators over the next 2 weeks (close date is Wednesday February 29th) and ask them to support the labeling of GE salmon and foods. Please especially target the key individuals listed below if you are in their State or District..
| Charlie Bass (R-NH) 603-226-0064 | Scott Brown (R-MA) 617-565-3170 |
| Mary Bono Mack (R-45th CA) 760-320-1076 | Sen. Begich (D – AK) 907-271-5915 |
| Keith Ellison (D-5th MN) 612-522-1212 | Sen. Collins (R – ME) 207-780-3575 |
| Chris Gibson (R-20th NY) 518-306-5450 | Sen. Leahy ( I- VT) 802-863-2525 |
| Raul Grijalva (D-7th AZ) 520-622-6788 | Sen. Murkowski (R – AK) 907-456-0233 |
| Richard Hanna (R-24th NY) 315-724-9740 | Sen. Murray (D – WA) 206-553-5545 |
| Doc Hastings (R-4th WA) 509-452-3243 | Sen. Sanders (I – VT) 802-862-0697 |
| Walter Jones (R-NC) 800-351-1697 | Sen. Snowe (R – ME) 207-874-0883 |
| Ron Kind, (D-3rd WI) 715-831-9214 | |
| Tom Latham, (R-4th IA) 515-232-2885 | |
| Chellie Pingree, (D-1st ME) 207-774-5019 | |
| Reid Ribble, (R-8th WI) 920-380-0061 | |
| Kurt Schrader, (D-5th OR) 503-588-9100 | |
| Heath Shuler (D – 11th NC) 828-252-1651 | |
| Fred Upton, (R-6th MI) 269-385-0039 | |
| Peter Welch, (D-At Large VT) 888-605-7270 | |
| Don Young (R – AK) 907-271-5978 |
For more information, please visit the Center for Food Safety
Related articles
- California Ballot Initiative Filed to Require Labeling of GE Foods (truefoodnow.org)
- GM Salmon Under Attack By Concerned Experts (haroonhaider.com)
- The right to know what you are eating (sfgate.com)
- Occupy Austin Asks City to Require Labeling of GMOs (occupyaustin.org) <<<<<
Just Label It!
More than HALF the foods at U.S. grocery stores are likely to contain genetically engineered ingredients, but you wouldn’t know it because the industry-run FDA doesn’t require labels for foods with genetically engineered (GE) ingredients (also called genetically modified organisms or GMOs).
In America, we pride ourselves on having choices and making informed decisions. Under current FDA regulations, we don’t have that choice when it comes to GE ingredients in the foods we purchase and feed our families. Labeling is essential for us to choose whether or not we want to consume or feed our families genetically engineered foods.
Focusing on transparency, trust, and truth, Gary Hirshberg (Stonyfield Farm President and Just Label It partner) pointed to the $30 million public relations campaign underway by the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance to fight the negative impression of big agribusiness, including the companies that produce GE seeds. He emphasized that there should be a $30 million effort for transparency to build more truth and trust for consumers. He noted Americans are looking for it everywhere, which is evidenced by the growth in organic food, farmers’ markets, community supported agriculture, and the amount of coverage in major publications, like the New York Times, about our food system.
Related articles
- USDA Approves Monsanto’s GE Corn – The Latest in a String of GE Approvals (friendseat.com)
- Label It Today! GMO Salmon Up for FDA Approval, Public Scrutiny (organicauthority.com)
- Obama Wholesale Approves Genetically Engineered Foods; Agent Orange herbicide use to expand (foodfreedom.wordpress.com)
“We Are Farmers, We Grow Food For The People”
“On December 4, 2011, farmers and activists from across the country joined the Occupy Wall Street Farmers March for ‘a celebration of community power to regain control over the most basic element to human well-being: food.’”
The Farmers’ March began at La Plaza Cultural Community Gardens where urban and rural farmers addressed an excited crowd about the growing problems in our industrial food system and the promise offered by solutions based in organic, sustainable and community based food and agricultural production. This was followed by a 3-mile march from the East Village to Zuccotti Park, the birthplace of the Occupy Wall Street movement.
This is what happens when farmers join with their urban allies – Together we are Unstoppable! Please join the movement and spread the word!
Produced by Food Democracy Now!
Directed by Anthony Lappé, INVISIBLE HAND
In association with No Umbrella Films
InvisibleHandMedia.net
Related articles
- Occupy Your Food Supply: Radical Farmer’s March Aims to Bridge Urban-Rural Divide, Focus in on “Food Justice” (jhaines6.wordpress.com)
- Wall Street Protestors: Rural Farmers Unite to Feed them – GREAT! (faktensucher.wordpress.com)
- Family Farmers Are the 99 Percent: How Occupy Wall Street Is Bridging the Rural/Urban Divide (alternet.org)
Time To Rein In The Industry-Run USDA
Internal Documents Reveal USDA Dietary Guidelines Panel Dominated by a Profession Under Fire
Washington, DC–December 15, 2011–Under pressure from the Healthy Nation Coalition, the USDA recently revealed the identities of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines “Independent Scientific Review Panel,” which is credited with peer-reviewing the Guidelines to ensure they are based on the preponderance of the scientific evidence available. Seven out of the eight panel members are Registered Dietitians (RDs), chosen according to the USDA, “for their knowledge in nutrition communication and dietary guidance.”
At the same time, RDs across America are reeling from the news that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will not reimburse them to provide intensive behavioral counseling for obesity. While the Federal government appears to be relying on RDs as experts in the midst of America’s obesity crisis, it doesn’t want to pay them to help people lose weight. This news comes as the American Dietetic Association (ADA)—the professional organization for RDs—is under scrutiny for its ties to food and pharmaceutical industries.
“An ongoing investigation by Congress recently revealed that the ADA receives over $1 million a year in payments from pharmaceutical companies and an undisclosed amount from companies such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Hershey. In addition to receiving payments from industries with obvious conflicts of interest, earlier this year the Alliance for Natural Health-USA revealed that ADA’s continuing education courses for RDs are being taught by the Coca-Cola Company’s Beverage Institute,” stated Darrell Rogers from Alliance for Natural Health-USA. RDs have voiced their dissatisfaction with the ADA’s corporate ties, with members indicating that the ADA’s relationship with corporate sponsors has a negative impact on the public image of RDs and undermines the credibility of the profession.
Credibility has been further undermined by the lack of evidence that the methods RDs use to treat obesity are effective. The ADA’s own Evidence Analysis Library contains few studies that demonstrate that dietitian-led dietary interventions result in meaningful weight loss.
As a result, many insurance companies, and now CMS, do not reimburse RDs for its treatment. Tennessee’s state insurance doesn’t cover seeing a dietitian for weight loss. Why? “There’s really no evidence to support the fact that providing those services would result in a decrease in medical cost, certainly not immediately, and even in the longer term,” according to Dr. Wendy Long, chief medical officer of TennCare.
This lack of evidence may be due in part to the limited scope of dietetic education and practice. The ADA relies on the USDA as a scientific authority and follows its lead in most matters of nutrition, limiting the training of RDs to USDA-approved diet recommendations.
Valerie Berkowitz, RD, Director of Nutrition at the Center for Balanced Health and author of the award-winning nutrition guide “The Stubborn Fat Fix” states: “Registered Dietitians lack education and practice in manipulating macronutrients [protein, fat, and carbohydrate] to switch fuel sources from carbohydrate to fat burning. It is unfortunate that educators do not acknowledge the therapeutic value of lower carbohydrate consumption at least as an additional tool to increase the success of medical nutrition therapy for obesity prevention and treatment.”
The ADA not only limits the training of RDs, it is sponsoring legislation in New York and multiple other states that would essentially restrict the practice of nutrition to RDs, and outlaw highly-qualified non-RD nutrition professionals from practicing. If successful, this would restrict consumer choice of nutrition professionals to those trained to follow USDA recommendations.
Given the ADA’s close ties with the food and drug industry and the lack of effectiveness for USDA-approved dietitian-led interventions for obesity, the public should be concerned about the dominant role that RDs and other ADA members played in the creation of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines. In addition to the Independent Scientific Review Panel being comprised primarily of RDs, ADA members were also one-third of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, the group of experts that creates the Report that guides the writing of the Dietary Guidelines. The majority of the USDA and HHS staff members who worked with the Committee or on the Dietary Guidelines are also RDs.
According to Adele Hite, Director of the Healthy Nation Coalition and lead author of a 2010 peer-reviewed article examining the limitations of the Dietary Guideline process, “The ADA is an industry-friendly organization. The USDA appears to rely on the dietetics focus of ADA-trained Registered Dietitians to confirm their own industry-friendly guidelines. The self-supporting relationship between the ADA and the USDA does not benefit either the credibility of RDs or the health of Americans.”
The Healthy Nation Coalition is an organization dedicated to improving the health of Americans through reforming national food and nutrition policy and does not solicit or accept contributions from the food or pharmaceutical industry.
Media Contact: Kimberly Hartke, Publicist
Hartke Communications
703-860-2711, 703-675-5557
Related articles
- Who can you trust anymore? Maybe not the American Dietetic Association… (marksloanmd.wordpress.com)
Shrimp à la Creole
A classic dish of wild-caught Gulf shrimp with lots of fresh celery, onions, garlic and green peppers in a base of tomatoes, shrimp stock, fresh thyme, parsley and oregano, cayenne, black pepper and sea salt..
Shrimp à la Creole (adapted from a recipe at nolacuisine.com)
2 pounds fresh shrimp (save shells to make shrimp stock)
2 tablespoons pastured butter
1 tablespoon bacon grease
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
2 ribs celery, finely chopped
1 small green pepper, finely chopped
2 tablespoons creole seasoning
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2-1/2 cups very ripe fresh tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 cups shrimp stock
2 tablespoons garlic, minced
2 fresh bay leaves
cayenne to taste
sea salt to taste
1 tablespoon freshly-ground black pepper
1 teaspoon freshly-ground white pepper
1 bunch fresh thyme
1/4 cup fresh oregano leaves
2 tablespoons Tabasco
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup green onions, green tops thinly sliced, white part sliced into 1/4″ thickness
1/8 cup flat leaf parsley, minced
Melt the butter in a large sauce pan with the bacon grease over medium high heat. When the butter begins to froth, add 1/2 cup of the onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown. Add the remaining onions, celery, and bell pepper, reduce the heat to medium and season with 1 tbsp creole seasoning and a healthy pinch of salt. Sweat the vegetables until soft.
Add the tomato paste mixing well, and cook, stirring constantly, until the paste begins to brown, then add the fresh tomatoes and another healthy pinch of sea salt (this will help the tomatoes break down). Stir well.
When the tomatoes start to break down into liquid add the white wine and bring to a low boil. Add the shrimp stock, remaining creole seasoning, garlic, bay leaves, black pepper, white pepper, cayenne (to taste), oregano and thyme. Simmer for 30-45 minutes.
Add the hot sauce and Worcestershire and season to taste with sea salt.
Reduce the heat to low and add the shrimp, simmering until just cooked through.
Serve with boiled rice and garnish with the remaining green onions and parsley.
Our Gulf friends are still struggling to recover from last summer’s devastating oil spill. Please support them at every opportunity!
