Press Statement
Contact: Joseph Mendelson, 202-547-9359
November 6, 2002
Matt Rand, 202-887-8841
88% OF CONSUMERS WANT LABELING OF GENETICALLY
ENGINEERED FOODS
A new national poll released today shows that support for labeling of genetically engineered foods
continues, with 88.4% of U.S. consumers in support of mandatory labels on genetically engineered (GE)
food and 85.7% in support of requiring mandatory government safety testing before such foods are
marketed to the public.
The national polling data released today was compiled by American Viewpoint polling service,
headed by Republican pollster Linda DiVall, and was commissioned by the Center for Food
Safety, a founding member of Genetically Engineered Food Alert. The polling of registered
voters nationwide showed broad support for mandatory labels and a required government safety
testing system for GE foods.
Genetically Engineered Food Alert continues to call on government and corporate leaders to stop
marketing genetically engineered foods unless they are found safe, labeled, and biotechnology
companies are held liable for any harm done. We are currently calling for a moratorium on the
commercialization of genetically engineered wheat, until it has been properly safety tested.
Genetically engineered wheat is the next major U.S. crop slated for commercialization.
Genetically Engineered Food Alert is also calling on Kraft Foods Company to remove
genetically engineered ingredients from their food products until they have been reviewed by a
government safety testing system. Kraft is the largest distributor of genetically engineered foods
to American families.
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Polling Data can be found at WWW.centerfor foodsafety.org
Genetically Engineered Food Alert, a coalition of health, consumer and environmental groups, supports the removal of
genetically engineered ingredients from grocery store shelves unless they are adequately safety tested and labeled. The
campaign provides opportunities for individuals to express concern about genetically engineered food and fact sheets on
health, environmental and economic information about genetically engineered food.
For more information, visit: www.gefoodalert.org