Genetically modified sugar

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2. Genetically Modified Sugar in US food Supply

Posted by: " *~ OM ~* " OM@... yoganandaom

Thu Dec 11, 2008 12:58 pm (PST)

Tip of the Week:

How to Avoid Genetically Engineered Sugar This Holiday Season

Over the past year, Organic Bytes has warned its readers about the

forced

introduction of genetically engineered sugar beets into the U.S. food

supply

in 2008. The health and environmental effects of these crops are

relatively

unknown and have historically resulted in an increase in pesticide

use. Most

of the mainstream table sugar, cereal and candy companies have

refused to

ban genetically engineered sugar in their products, including American

Crystal and Kelloggs. While OCA and its allies continue to work to

remove

this new biotech food from the mainstream market, before it becomes as

ubiquitous as genetically engineered corn, soybeans and rBGH, we have

some

tips for consumers:

1) Purchase organic sugar. The USDA organic standards do not allow

foods

labeled as " organic " to contain ingredients derived from genetically

engineered crops.

2) According to Ken Roseboro, the editor of The Organic & Non-GMO

Report,

two non-organic sugar companies that are still GE-free are Spreckels

Sugar

in California and Sugar Alberta, Canada. Spreckels is

processing

non-GMO beets because sugar beet farmers in California do not yet

have GM

sugar beet seed varieties. According to Roseboro, " I spoke with the

plant

manager and he said farmers would plant GM varieties as soon as they

are

available possibly by next year. Unless farmers are given extra

incentives

to grow non-GMO beets they will grow GM. " Maybe it's a good time to

contact

the company and let them know you'd like them to stay GE-free.

3) The OCA is continuing its campaign to pressure major sugar and

candy

companies to use GE-free sugar.

Take action here

http://www.organicc onsumers. org/kelloggs. cfm