It is clear that we cannot rely on governments
to protect us from the health and environmental risks of genetic
engineering.
But action is urgently needed. As consumers, food growers and
producers we can demonstrate our commitment to establish a GE
free community.
This action kit has been produced by The Greens to provide ways
you can lobby your local council or shire to declare its area
a GE Free Zone. It contains details of where the GE Free Zone
movement has been successful, draft amendments that you can adopt
for your council, and what can be done by local government to
stop GE crops being grown in their area.
The section in this kit on How to Find GE Free in Australia
provides the information we need when lobbying for our favourite
restaurant, work canteen or corner store to go GE Free.
We will periodically update this kit so please let us know what
is happening in your local area.
Lee Rhiannon
Greens member of the NSW parliament
Howard govt welcomes Monsanto
The Australian Government has allowed GE
products into our food supply and environment without safety testing
and without public notification.
The first GE product to enter Australia was a shipment of Monsanto's
Roundup Ready soybeans. Bob Phelps, Director of GeneEthics Network
commented:
"In early July 1996, Monsanto had asked the Genetic Manipulation
Advisory Committee (GMAC) to rule on Roundup Ready Soybeans, the
first step in getting import approval. The Committee normally
gazettes all proposals and allows 30 days for public comment but
did not do so. It also ignored the standard practice of requiring
field trials in Australia to demonstrate safety and efficacy prior
to general commercial release." *
What has distinguished our government from those of the United
Kingdom and Continental Europe, is this policy of secrecy in the
approval of GE products.
The Australian and New Zealand Food Authority
(ANZFA) and other official sources attempt to allay public concern
by asserting that GE products have been "assessed".
However, these "assessments" are based on tests done
overseas, submitted by foreign corporations and based on their
acceptance by foreign regulatory bodies such as the United States
(US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In Australia there has never been any testing of GE foods against
the criteria of safety for human consumption or environmental
benignness.
Politics of Substantial Equivalence
GE advocates claim that GE is the same as
traditional breeding and that therefore GE foods are the same
as naturally occurring plants. Our government's "no testing"
policy is based on this myth, which is referred to as "Substantial
Equivalence". However,
"Substantial equivalence is a pseudo-scientific concept
because it is a commercial and political judgement masquerading
as if it were scientific.
It is, moreover, inherently anti-scientific because it was created
primarily to provide an excuse for not requiring biochemical or
toxicological tests. It therefore serves to discourage and inhibit
potentially informative scientific research" (Erik Millstone,
Eric Brunner and Sue Mayer in, "Beyond substantial equivalence"
NATURE ( 401), October 1999).
Community organisations in the US are now dragging the FDA, through
the courts for unconstitutionally approving GE foods based. These
groups have in their possession, leaked FDA documents showing
their own scientists disagreed with the validity of
substantial equivalence and were unhappy
with the FDA's no labelling policy. Thus the FDA may find itself
liable for contravening the law under the Food and Cosmetics Act
by not enforcing rigorous toxicology testing of genetically engineered
food.
The outcome of this case will have direct bearing on the integrity
of our own food regulator ANZFA.
The first major challenge to the corporate
assertion that GE foods are safe came from within their own ranks.
Dr Arpad Puzstai from Aberdeen's Rowett Research institute, Scotland,
reported damages to the guts of rats fed with GM potatoes. Acknowledged
as the leading authority in his field, he claimed
"I was absolutely confident I wouldn't find anything.
But the longer I spent on the experiments, the more uneasy I becameUp
to now, people have said they [GE foods} are the same. That is
not true with GM potatoes. They are compositionally different."
Sunday Independent [London] Oct 3,1999)
The first human fatalities believed to be
a result of genetic engineering, was the result of consumption
of Showa Denko's WHO ARE THEY nutritional supplement, L-tryptophan.
In engineering the bacterium to produce this chemical in abundance,
it is believed that toxic compounds were also produced in increasing
amounts. The consumption of L-tryptophan resulted in the death
of 37 people, the permanent paralysis of 1500 people and the further
hospitalisation of 5000 people who now suffer from a neurological
disorder called, Eosinophilia Myalgia Syndrome (EMS).
On learning about the deaths and injuries the company destroyed
the genetically engineered bacteria, making it impossible to definitively
identify the cause. The supplement was immediately removed form
supermarket shelves. Inspite of the fact that Showa Denko claims
that the purification process was at fault, they have settled
for millions of dollars out of court, thus avoiding being legally
compelled to produce an analysis of the product.
Monsanto's Roundup Ready soybeans are genetically
engineered to tolerate the herbicide glyphosate. When Roundup
is sprayed on a crop the soyabeans, even though they are dosed
up with the Roundup herbicide, survive while the weeds are killed
off.
Recent studies show a clear link between exposure to the herbicide
glyphosate and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), a form of cancer
that afflicts the lymphatic system, have caused worldwide concern.
One study at Orebro Hospital was conducted by oncologists Dr Lennart
Hardell and Dr Mikael Eriksson of Sweden and published in the
journal Cancer by the American Cancer Society on March 15. It
maintains that exposure to glyphosate "yielded increased
risks". As Dr. Hardell and Dr. Eriksson recommended, CHECK
"Since the time period for diagnosis in this study, the
use of glyphosate has increase d dramatically, especially during
the 1990s, and it is now the most common herbicide used in Sweden...Recently,
we published an increased risk for hairy cell leukemia, a rare
type of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, for subjects exposed to glyphosate
as well as for subjects exposed to other pesticides. For these
reasons, glyphosate deserves further epidemiological studies".(The
Sun [Malaysia], Friday, August 20, 1999).
The manipulation of natural processes goes
far beyond the combining of genetic material between species that
would not naturally interbreed. Pieces of viruses are used like
a "glue" to create the new genes. This results in unpredictable
physiological and biochemical effects.
The most common type of virus to be found in all commercial and
field trial GE crops, is the cauliflower mosaic virus or CaMV.
The (CaMV) promoter could recombine with other viruses to generate
new disease-causing viruses. The John Innes Centre and Sainsbury
Laboratory Annual Report 1998/1999 shows that the relocation of
cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus
(HIV) have interchangeable components.
GE advocates argues that this viral "glue" in GE products
is rapidly destroyed and eliminated in the digestive tracts of
mammals. This has not been verified in the laboratory. Wounded
plants can exchange cellular fluids with wounded mammals and pollen
deeply penetrates the airways of mammals.
"Horizontal gene transfer, in this context, means the
transfer of the genetic material directly by infection to the
genetic material of unrelated species, in principle to all species
interacting with the GMO: bacteria, fungi, earthworms, nematodes,
protozoa, insects, small mammals and human beings. This process
is uncontrollable and cannot be recalled". (Ho, Ryan
and Cummins, in "The cauliflower mosaic viral promoter -
a recipe for disaster? Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease"
and ISIS NEWS,#3, 1999).
The FDA's own internal documents, leaked from its scientists,
warn of the dangers of the emergence of stealth viruses and unknown
allergenic effects from the consumption of GE foods. These include
submissions by Dr Louis Pribyl, CHECK Dr Samuel Shibko, director
of the Toxicological Review and Evaluation division of the Department
of Health and Human Services and Dr Gerald Guest, director of
the Centre for Veterinary Medicine. All have alerted the biotechnology
section of the FDA to the unpredictable environmental dangers
of genetic engineering due to viral DNA use.
The Insurance Council of Australia Ltd (ICA)
in November 1999, made a submission to the House of Representatives
Standing Committee on Primary Industries & Regional Services,
on the Insurability of Genetically Modified Crops. Robert Drummond,
executive manager of ICA claimed that:
"There is a perception amongst insurers that genetic engineering
is dangerous characterised by an extremely diversified risk profile
of a new technologyGeneral insurers are reluctant to accept
incalculable risks where it is difficult to predict what loss
scenarios will arise. This is particularly true with risks involving
lengthy periods before manifestation of latent injury or damage
occurs"
The ICA quoted a report from the International Insurer, also operating
in Australia, the Swiss Reinsurance Company, which stated that:
"The risk profile of genetic engineering is extremely
diversified and very difficult to anticipate. There is no clear
conception of the risks accepted so how can genetic engineering
risks be insured?"
The ICA concluded that genetic engineered risks are uninsurable
and unattractive to the general insurance industry in Australia.
This unwillingness on the part of the insurance industry has implications
for local councils and shires, as they will have difficulty seeking
remediation in the future should they be faced with damaging consequences
of GE products in their food services and in their environment.
Responsibility for public health
Local councils and shires provide a range of services for their local community, and in doing so are responsible for safeguarding public health. With the increasing scientific evidence that food containing GE products is detrimental to human and environmental health, it falls within a shire or council's legal authority to take measures to prevent these dangers.
Local council services that often include the provision of food:
* Canteens or cafes at senior citizen centres
* Meals on Wheels, which provide ready to eat hot meals for the
frail, elderly or people with a disability and their carers.
* Frozen Meal Service, another service provided to the frail,
elderly or people with a disability and their carers- to be heated
at their convenience.
* Pre-school meals
* Day Care centre meals
* Community Centres with their own coffee shops
* Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) and Vacation Care
* Day care for the frail, elderly or people with a disability
A number of councils and shires now require these services
only use GE
Local Council Initiatives
A number of local government bodies around Australia have declared their area to a GE Free Zone
Moreland council in Victoria was the first
in Australia to ban the use of genetically altered food. For those
members of the community not able to make an informed decision,
such as children in care centres and people receiving meals on-wheels
the Council agreed that it will:
require food supplier to seek guarantees that raw material have
not been genetically engineer;
educate and consult Moreland's many large food manufacturers an
encourage the adoption of GE-free practices;
work with local children's services to eliminate GE foods.
The first NSW council to go GE-free was Waverley. In May 1999 suppliers of food to Waverley council childcare centres have been asked to guarantee that their products are free of GE products. In June this year Waverley Council reiterated their commitment to promoting the GE Free concept. A mayoral minute, adopted unanimously, states in part
" Council indicates its support
for the position adopted by Tasmania that it will ban the introduction
of genetically modified (engineered) crops. Council calls on the
NSW government to adopt the same position and to support Tasmania
in seeking to have an opt out clause from the provisions of the
national GM legislation.
"Council further notes the discussion amongst the Federal
Health Ministers regarding the labelling of foodstuffs containing
genetically modified ingredients. Council supports extensive and
detailed labelling and further that the control of labelling should
remain with the Ministers for Health and not be transferred to
the Ministers for Agriculture.
"Waverley Council resolves to work co-operatively with the
food industry in the Waverley area to promote Waverley as a GE
food free zone.
NSW now has five GE free councils. Byron,
Manly, Willoughby and North Sydney have joined Waverley's initiative.
Other GE free councils include the agricultural shires in Western
Australia - Gnowangerup, Lake Grace and Boyup Brook. Two other
shires, Williams and Merredin. have opted for a 2 year moratorium.
In terms of state action Tasmania is leading the way. Under that
state's Plant Quarantine Act GE products for a year, from July
2000, t.
A local council or shire has the power to pass a resolution requiring that contracts with food suppliers state that foods supplied to the council must be free of GE products. Generally local councils have some discretion as to whether or not they enter a commercial arrangement. Factors that councils need to consider are the potential health risks associated with GE products.
The following resolutions, were moved by Waverley Mayor Paul Pearce, at the 1999 NSW Local Government Association (LGA) Conference. They were passed unanimously. These resolutions can be adapted for any local council or shire.
GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOOD
In the light of the increasing concern throughout the community
of the use of genetically engineered crops in the production of
foodstuffs for human consumption, LGA resolves to :
1. Ask all member councils write
to the suppliers of all foodstuffs currently supplied to council
child care centres, Meals on Wheels and any other council facility
requesting assurances that no products containing genetically
engineered crops are utilised in their production.
2. Prohibit the use of any foodstuffs which include genetically
engineered crops, or any foodstuff for which the manufacturer
is unable or unwilling to give the necessary assurances, to council
childcare centres, Meals on Wheels and any other council facility
under Council control.
3. Write to the relevant Federal Minister and Opposition
Spokesperson, requesting that processed foods containing genetically
modified product or fresh foods from genetically engineered seed
stock or animals, be clearly marked on all labelling in order
to allow consumers to make an informed choice prior to purchase.
The recent decision of the health ministers to require labelling
of foodstuffs containing identifiable quantities of genetically
modified ingredients is a step in the right direction. but it
does not go far enough. All foodstuffs which are produced from
GM organisms, including sugars and oils that has been generated
by a genetically modified organism, should be labelled.
GM FOODSTUFFS THE ENVIRONMENTAL EXPORTS
Because of the concerns about the inadvertent contamination of
non GM plants by GM organisms the LGA resolves:
1. The LGA calls on the relevant
State and Federal ministers to introduce a moratorium (minimum
five years) on the introduction on genetically modified crops
into Australian agriculture.
2. The LGA calls on the State and Federal ministers to
assist Australia's farmers to secure the lucrative markets for
GM free produce. Evidence is emerging in the United States that
pollen from genetically modified crops is not able to be contained
and is contaminating neighbouring fields of organically grown
crops. In addition there is evidence that "superweeds"-
weeds resistant to herbicide are developing. Worldwide there is
increasing demand for non-genetically modified crops- especially
for GM free canola oil in Japan and Western Europe. Australia's
farmers are well placed to fill that market but if their crops
are contaminated with GM pollens that opportunity will be lost.
Under the Local Government Act 1993 ("the LG Act") and the Local Government (Tendering) Regulation 1999, a council must invite tenders for the supply of goods when the value of the contract exceeds $100,000. There is nothing in this legislation preventing councils from including a GE free food provision, as long as the tender documents specify that all foods supplied are free of GE products. The charter of the LG Act generally supports that councils have some regard to the long term and cumulative effects of its decisions.
A council could seek to prohibit any agricultural
use of GE crops and/or the sale of GE products, by requesting
that amendments be made to environmental planning instruments
covering its area. These measures also cover banning the growing
of GE trials or GE crops.
Local Environmental Plans (LEP's) broadly cover regulations of
land use for a local government area and are usually drafted by
councils. They are ultimately decided upon by the Minister for
Urban Affairs and Planning.
LEP's are governed by parameters of the Environmental Planning
and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW), section 24 of which states that
LEP's may be made "for the purposes of achieving any of the
objets of this Act". These include proper management of natural
resources, promoting community welfare and protection of native
plants and the natural environment in general.
A council could seek to have the Minister amend a LEP to prohibit
the use of land for shops which sell food containing GE products.
The basis of such a provision would be that such businesses threaten
the social welfare of the community by providing foods whose safety
has not been established and that GE products have no history
of safe use.
Regional Environmental Plans (REP's) and State Environmental Planning
Policies (SEPP's) are prepared by the Department of Urban Affairs
and Planning and made by the Minister. In order for a LEP to withstand
being overridden on the issue of GE crops, the provisions of the
LEP must be pervasive enough and internally consistent, so as
not to be negated by REP's or SEPP's. For example, the Minister
could override a LEP that prohibits GE crops, if the conditions
stipulated in the relevant REPP or SEPP are other than those covered
by the LEP.
A person using land to grow GE crops or to store and sell GE products,
has the right to continue these activities even though a LEP has
been amended to prohibit these very activities. This is referred
to as "existing use rights". The "right" ceases
should the activity be abandoned for a period of 12 months or
more.
How to find GE free in Australia
The material that follows has been compiled Mr Martin Oliver of GeneEthics- Northern Rivers. This information is constantly updated so for the latest news, contact Mr Oliver or visit his website (see resources page).
The Australian New Zealand Food Authority has allowed six GE foods into our food supply without safety testing or labelling. These include imported soy, canola, sugar(beet) and potato, and Australian cottonseed (from which oil is extracted).
Following
foods may be genetically engineered
* Canola (imported)
* Corn/maize ingredients (imported)
* Cottonseed oil
* Dextrose
* Fructose
* Glucose (syrup)
* Hydrolyzed veg. protein
* Maltodextrin
* Maltose
* Margarine
* Potato ingredients (imported)
* Soya ingredients
* Shortening
* Soya ingredients
* Sucrose
* Vegetable extract
* Vegetable fat
* Vegetable oil
* Vegetable proteins
GE additives
derived from GE foods
* Annatto
* Ascorbic acid
* (Beta)-carotene
* Caramel
* Dextrin(s)
* Glucono-delta-lactone
* Glycerine
* Lactic acid
* Lecithin
* Lycopene
* Mannitol
* Modified starch
* Mono- and Di- glycerides of fatty acids
* Monosodium glutamate
* Polydextrose
* Sorbitol
* 'Starch'
* Thickener
* Tocopherols
* Vitamin C
* Vitmain E
* Xanthan gum
GE ingredients and processing aids may be found in some cosmetics,
hair colour, home brewing, laundry detergents (enzymes), paint,
pet food, pharmaceutical's, soap, toiletries and toothpaste.
GE-free bulk suppliers in Australia
The following information can be forwarded to food providers interested in sourcing GE- free ingredients. A listing in this section does not imply that the company is taking a stance on the issue of GE food. This information is intended as a guide only and is subject to constant change. Contact the companies to ensure that their products are still totally free from GE ingredients.
SOYA INGREDIENTS
SOYA BEANS
* Organic soya beans
Kialla, Toowoomba
Ph: (07) 4697 1170
Fax: (07) 4697 1261
* Conventional soya beans
Golden Harvest Specialty Seeds, Brisbane
Ph: (07) 3876 7888
Fax: (07) 3876 7999
Email: pgrcory@golden-harvest.com.au
SOYA FIBRE FLOUR
Soy Products, Melbourne
Ph: (03) 9729 1099
Fax: (03) 9729 5868
SOYA GRITS
* Fine soya grits
* Coarse soya grits
Soy Products, Melbourne
Ph: (03) 9729 1099
Fax: (03) 9729 5868
SOYA PROTEIN ISOLATE
Protein Technologies, Sydney
Ph: 1800 802 553
Fax: (02) 9413 3436
SOYA PROTEIN (VARIOUS KINDS)
ADM Australia, Melbourne
Ph: (03) 9589 0458
Fax: (03) 9589 0460
NB - This supply of isolate is processed from 'identity preserved'
batches of a non-GE soya bean crop in the US. Because of the possibility
of small amounts of GE beans entering the supply chain, the company
is not promoting the ingredient as GE-free.
SOYA PROTEIN CONCENTRATE
Swift & Co, Sydney
Ph: (02) 9897 6100
Fax: (02) 9897 6199
LIQUID LECITHIN
Consolidated Chemical Co, Sydney
Ph: (02) 9672 8700
Fax: (03) 9672 8711
ADM Australia, Melbourne
Ph: (03) 9589 0458
Fax: (03) 9589 0460
POWDERED LECITHIN
ADM Australia, Melbourne
Ph: (03) 9589 0458
Fax: (03) 9589 0460
LECITHIN GRANULES
ADM Australia, Melbourne
Ph: (03) 9589 0458
Fax: (03) 9589 0460
SOY ISOFLAVONE CONCENTRATE
ADM Australia, Melbourne
Ph: (03) 9589 0458
Fax: (03) 9589 0460
Swift & Co, Sydney
Ph: (02) 9897 6100
Fax: (02) 9897 6199
TEXTURED VEGETABLE PROTEIN
ADM Australia, Melbourne
Ph: (03) 9589 0458
Fax: (03) 9589 0460
CORN/MAIZE INGREDIENTS
CORN/MAIZE
* All maize grown in Australia is GE-free and large
quantities have not been imported up to now
CORN/MAIZE FLOUR
* We believe that all maize flour in Australia is GE-free
ORGANIC MAIZE MEAL
* Mealie meal (white maize meal)
* Maize meal/polenta
Kialla, Toowoomba
Ph: (07) 4697 1170
Fax: (07) 4697 1261
CORN/MAIZE STARCH
* 1403 (Bleached starch)
* 1410 (Monostarch phosphate)
* 1412 (Esterified distarch phosphate)
* 1414 (Acetylated distarch phosphate)
* 1420 (Esterified starch acetate)
* 1422 (Acetylated distarch adipate)
* 1440 (Hydroxylproyl starch)
* 1442 (Hydroxylproyl distarch phosphate)
* 1450 (Starch sodium octenylsuccinate)
Starch Australasia, Sydney
Ph: (02) 9911 1200
Fax: (02) 9418 7830
MAIZE MEAL
* Maize meal/polenta
McNuts, Melbourne
Ph: (03) 9383 6700
Fax: (03) 9384 0137
CORN OIL
Meadow Lea, Sydney Ph: (02) 9827 2311
Fax: (02) 9827 2333
CORN/MAIZE HYDOLYZED VEGETABLE PROTEIN
(HVP)
Halcyon, Dandenong, Vic
Ph: (03) 9768 2021
Fax: (03) 9768 2291
CANOLA OIL
CONVENTIONAL CANOLA OIL
Caines, Maitland
Ph: (02) 4933 6466
Fax: (02) 4933 2873
Email: ataylor@caines.com.au
Campania, Melbourne
Ph:(03) 9359 2799
Fax: (03) 9359 0990 campania@ozemail.com.au
Florafoods, Sydney
Ph: 1800 677 807
Fax: (02) 9519 2782
Meadow Lea, Sydney
Ph: (02) 99827 2311
Fax: (02) 9827 2333
Peerless Holdings, Melbourne
Ph: (03) 9214 7777
Fax: (03) 9318 2396
ORGANIC CANOLA OIL
Seedex, Sydney
Ph: (02) 9964 9020
Fax: (02) 9959 315
Seedex, Sydney
Ph: (02) 9964 9020
Fax: (02) 99593156
COTTONSEED OIL
Caines, Maitland, NSW
Ph: (02) 4933 6466
Fax: (02) 4933 2873
Email: ataylor@caines.com.au
EMULSIFIERS
Emulsifiers 322 (Liquid, Powdered & Granular Lecithin)
ADM Australia, Melbourne
Ph: (03) 9589 0458
Fax: (03) 9589 0460
VEGETABLE SHORTENING
Unilever Foods, Sydney
Ph: 1800 624 429
Fax: 1800 813 085
NB: This is the Vantage brand which doesn't contain lecithin or
tocopherols.
VEGETABLE GUMS
VEGETABLE GUM 415
Rhodia, Melbourne
Ph: (03) 9280 1000
Fax: (03) 9646 3817
NB: This is derived from wheat rather than corn.
The Consumer Food Network,
223 Logan Road,
Buranda, QLD 4102
Tel: 07 3217 3187
Fax: 07 3217 3028
eco-cons@bit.net.au
www.ozemail.com.au/~confoodnet
The Network publishes a monthly newsletter
in both print and e-mail versions, coordinates
consumer input on food policy issues to government and industry
bodies and
campaigns on current food policy issues such as GE foods, food
irradiation,
pesticides, nutrition, food safety and organic agriculture.
Gene-Ethics Network Northern Rivers,
c/o BSEC,
123 Keen St,
Lismore,NSW 2480
genethics@start.com.au
www.nor.com.au/environment/genethic
Pushing for food companies to remove GE
ingredients and derivatives from their ranges, produces and updates
GE-Free Food Guide (available
on their website), and answers questions from other Australian
GE
groups, retail stores and food companies. Produce 4 newsletters
a year and send out free
Australia-wide email bulletins.
Organic Federation of Australia,
C/- 452 Lygon St,
East Brunswick,
Victoria 3057, Australia
Tel: 61 3 9386 6600 Fax: 61 3 9384 1322
info@ofa.org.au
www.ofa.org.au>
Focuses on the effects of GE on the environment,
health and safety, and
its potential to pollute organic foods and destroy the effectiveness
of
natural sprays useful to organic farmers like Bt. Has put a number
of submissions to the government on the subject which are available
on their website. Also runs an email list to communicate news
of organic and GE issues.
National Toxics Network Inc.
47 Eugenia St.,
Rivett ACT 2611
AUSTRALIA
biomap@spirit.com.au
Ph: Int+(612)62885881
Fax:Int+(612)62885881
A community network working towards a pollution free environment. Promotes pollution prevention, earth-friendly technologies, eco- justice for survivors of toxic assault, intergenerational equity and a rebalance of prevention with curative medicine in the health system.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Kit
How to make your Council/Shire a GE free zone?
Compiled by Rayyar Farhat
Published by The Greens
ISBN 1 86252 140 9
Ph (020 9230 3551
Fx (02) 9230 3550
Email lee.rhiannon@parliament.nsw.gov.au
First edition August 2000
