The State PIRGs' Campaign On Genetically Engineered Foods

What are GE foods?
Genetically engineered foods include ingredients that scientists have altered by inserting genes into an organism's DNA. Genes are the templates that cells use to create proteins, which determine many of an organism's characteristics. Changing an organism's genes therefore can cause its cells to make novel proteins, causing it to exhibit a new trait. More.

What are some examples of GE foods?
Although the first GE crops only hit the market in 1994, GE foods are widespread. Chances are, you are buying GE foods. Without mandatory labeling, however, you really can't tell for sure. More.

What are the health and environmental risks of GE foods?
Many health professionals around the world have sounded the alarm about GE foods. The British Medical Association, for example, has called for an indefinite moratorium on GE foods. More.

What are the U.S. government's policies on GE foods?
Together, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USDA) share the responsibility of ensuring that genetically engineered foods are safe for consumers and safe for the environment. Unfortunately, these agencies have built a structure of weak policies and non-regulation of this ever-growing industry, paving the way for the biotech industry to take the lead. More.

Who is the campaign targeting?
Kraft Foods Inc. is the largest food company in the United States, and second largest in the world. Kraft's foods can be found in over 99 percent of American households, and many of these foods have been found to contain genetically engineered ingredients. Additionally, many of these products are marketed for children, who may be more susceptible to health risks posed by genetically engineered ingredients. More.

What isn't the biotech industry telling you?
According to a USDA report, nearly all the genetically engineered food on the market is engineered to make food production and processing easier and more profitable for the manufacturers. In general, these crops are being engineered to increase corporate profitability, not to alleviate world hunger. More.

Is there legislation in Congress related to GE foods?
The State PIRGs believe that the risks posed by genetically engineered crops should be rigorously evaluated before they are ever allowed to enter the market. We are pushing government and industry officials to recognize the difference between genetically engineered and conventionally grown foods and label them as such. More.

Who is Genetically Engineered Food Alert?
Genetically Engineered Food Alert is a coalition of organizations concerned with the protection of consumer rights, public health and the environment as they relate to the effects of genetically engineered foods. More.

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Home Biopharming Wheat Production and Consumption Kraft Campaign - Video Genetically Engineered Fish Fact Sheets Reports Starlink® Recall Center News Room Call to Action Signers Contact Us	What are GE foods? Genetically engineered foods include ingredients that scientists have altered by inserting genes into an organism's DNA. Genes are the templates that cells use to create proteins, which determine many of an organism's characteristics. Changing an organism's genes therefore can cause its cells to make novel proteins, causing it to exhibit a new trait. More. What are some examples of GE foods? Although the first GE crops only hit the market in 1994, GE foods are widespread. Chances are, you are buying GE foods. Without mandatory labeling, however, you really can't tell for sure. More. What are the health and environmental risks of GE foods? Many health professionals around the world have sounded the alarm about GE foods. The British Medical Association, for example, has called for an indefinite moratorium on GE foods. More. What are the U.S. government's policies on GE foods? Together, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USDA) share the responsibility of ensuring that genetically engineered foods are safe for consumers and safe for the environment. Unfortunately, these agencies have built a structure of weak policies and non-regulation of this ever-growing industry, paving the way for the biotech industry to take the lead. More. Who is the campaign targeting? Kraft Foods Inc. is the largest food company in the United States, and second largest in the world. Kraft's foods can be found in over 99 percent of American households, and many of these foods have been found to contain genetically engineered ingredients. Additionally, many of these products are marketed for children, who may be more susceptible to health risks posed by genetically engineered ingredients. More. What isn't the biotech industry telling you? According to a USDA report, nearly all the genetically engineered food on the market is engineered to make food production and processing easier and more profitable for the manufacturers. In general, these crops are being engineered to increase corporate profitability, not to alleviate world hunger. More. Is there legislation in Congress related to GE foods? The State PIRGs believe that the risks posed by genetically engineered crops should be rigorously evaluated before they are ever allowed to enter the market. We are pushing government and industry officials to recognize the difference between genetically engineered and conventionally grown foods and label them as such. More. Who is Genetically Engineered Food Alert? Genetically Engineered Food Alert is a coalition of organizations concerned with the protection of consumer rights, public health and the environment as they relate to the effects of genetically engineered foods. More.
The state PIRGs are founding members of Genetically Engineered Food Alert, www.gefoodalert.org.