World consumer body launches GM campaign

The global voice for consumers
La voix des consommateurs à travers le monde
La voz global para la defensa de los consumidores

For immediate release
Date: 10 October 2004

Consumers International, the worldwide federation of consumer organisations, is launching a campaign to press for a moratorium on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in seeds, crops and foodstuffs, while putting stringent safeguards in place for GM foods already in the market.

The campaign aims to stop the spread of GM crops until internationally agreed regulations are in place and there are clear benefits to consumers, farmers and the environment. At present about two-thirds of GM crops are grown in the USA, with the remainder in a few key countries. Most countries have not switched to GM crops, in part because of widespread consumer resistance to GM foods.

In regard to existing GM foods the CI campaign will focus on four areas. It will aim to ensure that all GM foods are subjected to rigorous, independent Safety testing, are adequately Labelled, and Traceable back to their origin; and that producers are held Liable for environmental or health damage which they may cause.

The campaign will begin in Thailand, where farmers and consumers are deeply concerned at the unregulated introduction of GM papaya from a research facility into the open environment. Although the authorities have ordered the destruction of the unauthorised GM papaya, scientists fear that that contamination has spread. Thailand’s exports have already suffered - one large European importer cancelled an order for papaya, stating that European consumers did not want GM foods.

The campaign will be launched at a press conference in Bangkok on Sunday, 10 October, hosted by the Foundation for Consumers, Thailand’s leading independent consumer body, and CI. The CI campaign is launched on the eve of the international meeting of Food Safety Regulators in Bangkok and less than a week before World Food Day on 16 October.

Speakers include:
Marilena Lazzarini, President of Consumers International
Amadou Kanoute, Director of Consumers International Africa Office.
Michael Hansen, Consumers' Union, USA
Saree Aongsomwang, Director of the Foundation for Consumers and CI Council Member

Notes to editors:

The press conference will take place on Sunday, 10 October at 11am at the Royal Princess Hotel, 269 Larn Luang Road, Pomprab, Bangkok 10100. A lunch will be served after the press conference. Proceedings will be in Thai and English with simultaneous translation.

All Thai and international correspondents are welcome. However, to help us cater for numbers, please let us know in advance if you will attend and be staying for the lunch (details above).

Foundation for Consumers
in Bangkok:
Further information and/or to confirm your attendance:
Tel: + 66 2 952 5060-2
Fax: + 66 2 580 9337
E-mail: [email protected]

Contact: Kaye Stearman
Consumers International London
Tel: +44 20 7226 6663 ext.219
Mobile: 07985 023 005
E-mail: [email protected]

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