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Gold Kist Inc. Dear Gaylord Coan, CEO, As CEO of one of the leading and prominent food companies in the US, I am contacting you to find out Gold Kist's position on an issue of great concern to me - genetically engineered (GE) foods. On the one hand this involves complex matters which government scientists might best handle. But at present there are no mandated government safety tests nor any federal staff directed to do so. The bills before Congress are designed to correct this. Nevertheless, such tests will take years - and in the mean time the spread of this technology has already taken place, and at an electrifying speed. Several biotech firms have purchased a controlling as well as consolidating interest in crop seed companies, affecting approximately 50% of all US soy, 30% of corn, and the majority of canola. The GE crops derived from these seeds form vital ingredients in most processed foods - innocently affecting many long-respected brands such as yours with unknown risks. Derivative hazards are also unique because once genetic pollution is discovered, it cannot be easily cleaned up in the way chemical spills can. Studies have shown that GE organisms can reproduce rapidly out of control within our bodies and in our environment. Thus not a single major insurance company is willing to insure food companies against risks of such products. At the same time there is also no reliable scientific reassurance simply because no long-term feeding safety studies exist. Recently Consumer Reports published its support for mandatory precautionary safety testing plus labeling, and reiterated these risks. One Japanese company, Showa Denko, was forced to make a $2 billion dollar settlement when one of its GE products caused several deaths and illnesses. Deutsche Bank recently advised its investors to divest of companies marketing GE products. Whether as an investor or consumer, it is reasonable to assume the average person senses this as yet untested technology holds many hazards. In polls, 70-80%+ of American consumers favor labeling. Many companies have taken the lead by removing GE ingredients, thus reassuring the average consumer - such as Gerber Foods, Seagrams, Burger King, McDonald's, and so on. I am sure Gold Kist would likewise want to stand out as a leader working for the best interests of the consuming public, and especially on such a major food safety issue. Please write back and let me know what Gold Kist's policy is. Even if this request uses the convenience of a form letter, your response is just as important. I look forward to the peace of mind of knowing how Gold Kist will effectively screen genetically engineered ingredients to safeguard the public and the environment we all care for. Sincerely, (signature) (print name) (address) (city, state, zip) |