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Action alert! Action Alert: Biopharm Corn
Contaminates Food Crop (For complete story, see: http://www.panna.org/resources/panups/panup_20021122.dv.html) Action: Write or email Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman and ask for an immediate halt to all biopharm cultivation including test plots. Existing USDA guidelines are totally inadequate to prevent contamination of the food supply. Send your letter or email to: Ann M. Veneman <Sample letter> Ann M. Veneman Re: Contamination of Food Crops by Biopharmaceutical Corn Dear Secretary Veneman: I am deeply disturbed by the revelation that 500,000 bushels of soybeans destined for human consumption have been quarantined due to contamination by corn genetically engineered to produce a pharmaceutical chemical, and that this was at least the second incident of this type to have taken place. These recent cases show that the genetic engineering industry cannot control biopharm crops once they are planted in open fields. The Biotech Industry Organization (BIO) and the Grocery Manufacturers of America (GMA) are both calling for changes in current USDA policy regarding biopharm crops since to date it has proven totally inadequate to prevent the contamination of our food supply. I ask that an immediate moratorium be placed on the growing, including test plots, of all crops genetically engineered to produce biopharmaceuticals (such as vaccines), industrial chemicals or other substances with potential human health impacts. More research is needed on this issue before adequate regulations can be put into place. I urge you to take immediate action on this critical food safety issue. Sincerely, <your name and address>
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