SEPA Supporters Should be Aware of Problems with the Farm Bill

[Guest guest]

Dear Friends and Listmates:

Many of us have been watching the Farm Bill because SEPA was part of it. But I recently learned that the Farm Bill contains some very objectionable provisions that also impact children, schools and consumers, very adversely.

According to Public Citizen, Sections 10808 and 10809 of the Farm Bill deal with the issue of labeling for irradiated food products. The intent of these provisions is to redefine the meaning of "cold pasteurization" or electronically pasteurized" to include irradiation. This is clearly an inaccurate description designed to mislead consumers. The food industry is attempting to change these definitions because consumers have demonstrated their reluctance to purchase irradiated foods. This tactic is particularly insidious because no public notice and no requirement for consumer comment are included in the Farm Bill.

Again, according to Public Citizen, there is "a dearth" of research into the health effects of consuming the chemicals created when foods are irradiated. German scientists have demonstrated that chemicals called cyclobutanones, caused genetic damage in laboratory rats. There is particularly little research into the effects of these irradiation chemicals on children.

"Parents and children deserve the right-to-know what is being served in their schools. The Farm Bill does not require that consumers be informed that their meals have been prepared with irradiated foods. This applies to schools, restaurants, hospitals and nursing homes."

Perhaps it would be best if SEPA were not attached to other legislation. Certainly, these stealthy, euphemistic labeling attempts to conceal the word "irradiated," is not something we should conspire to pass, regardless of our concerns about pesticides in schools. This would merely trade one toxic exposure for another.

To health and healing,

Irene Wilkenfeld

Environmental Health Consultant, Lecturer, Writer, Educator

(Fiercely opposed to exposing our children and our planet to pesticides and toxic chemicals)

Irene WilkenfeldSafe SchoolsPlease note new email - irw27@...PLEASE DISREGARD email - irw27@...I am canceling irw27@...