FDA Approves Food from Clones against the Will of Congress and the American Public
Despite scant data, congressional action demanding further research and over 150,000 public comments in opposition, FDA approved the sale of meat and milk from cloned animals yesterday. In addition, the FDA will not require any special procedures for tracking or handling food products from clones. It will not require labeling of any kind on food products from clones or their offspring, depriving consumers of their right to know about the origins of their food. This action comes at a time when Congress has voted twice to delay FDA’s decision on cloned animals until additional safety and economic studies can be completed.
The FDA’s bullheaded action disregards the will of the public and Congress. FDA based their decision on an incomplete and flawed review that relies on studies supplied by cloning companies that want to force cloning technology on American consumers. FDA’s action has placed the interests of a handful of biotech firms above those of the public they are charged with protecting.
While FDA may deem these products safe to enter the market, companies like Ben & Jerry’s and Organic Valley have pledged not to use cloned animals or their offspring. Dean Foods, Hormel, Tyson and Smithfield Foods have also stated they do not plan to accept milk or meat from cloned animals, but have not addressed their plans regarding the offspring of clones.
Sign the Clone-Free Pledge! Let food companies know you won’t buy food from clones. While animal cloning has been banned for use in organic production, we need to let mainstream companies know that we will not buy their products if they are from animal clones or the offspring of clones.
What else can you do?
1. Buy organic meats and dairy if you eat animal products.
The National Organic Standards rightly prohibit clones and their offspring from use.
2. Tell Congress to Label Food from Cloned Animals!
There are bills to label food from clones and their offspring in both the House and Senate. Contact your Congress members and urge them to support this important bill!
Full Petition Text:
As a consumer, I am vehemently opposed to food from cloned animals. Despite scant data, congressional action demanding further research and over 150,000 public comments in opposition, FDA recently approved the sale of meat and milk from cloned animals, without labeling of any kind on food products from clones or their offspring, depriving consumers of their right to know about the origins of their food.
While FDA may deem these products safe to enter the market, companies like Ben & Jerry's and Organic Valley have pledged not to use cloned animals or their offspring. Dean Foods, Hormel, Tyson and Smithfield Foods have also stated they do not plan to accept milk or meat from cloned animals, but have not yet addressed their plans regarding the offspring of clones.
I urge you to join these companies in responding to consumer concerns, and to declare that you will not source any products from cloned animals or their offspring. I plan to purchase only from companies that make such a pledge.
Signed by:
[Your name]
[Your address]
