Food safety

IATP Report on Antibiotic Use in U.S. Aquaculture

The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy released a report on March 21 by Dr. Charles Benbrook entitled Antibiotic Drug Use in U.S. Aquaculture. The report estimates that 204,000 to 433,000 pounds of antibiotics are used annually in the production of seafood sold in the U.S. This includes antibiotics from the same classes that doctors depend on for treating sick humans.

Group Letter to Poultry Producers on Antibiotics Used in Poultry Production

This letter was included in a packet of information sent to poultry producers urging them to reduce antibiotic use and contained the names of the major restaurant chains who will no longer buy poultry raised on antibiotics and poultry producers who have publicly stated they will no longer use medically important antibiotics in production.  

Global campaign seeks to end Starbucks use of GE ingredients, and promote use of fair trade coffee

Consumer, environmental, and social justice activists in 300 US cities and seven other nations (England, Scotland, Israel, Austria, Canada, Australia, & Japan) leafleted and stage protests in front of Starbucks coffee shops from February 23 to March 2. These protests were timed to coincide with Starbucks' annual meeting in Seattle on February 26.

Joint Statement on the Mexican GM Maize Scandal

In September of 2001, Nature Biotechnology reported that genetically modified maize was turning up in Mesoamerican farmer's maize varieties. The report of genetic contamination was confirmed by a peer reviewed article in Nature which has come under attack by the industry.

WHO: Global Food Safety Rules Needed

Associated Press GENEVA (AP) -- The world needs new food safety rules because increased global food trade means health problems can spread rapidly from country to country, the head of the U.N. health agency said Monday.

Bush Administration Decision To Delay Dioxin Report Endangers Public

The final draft report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) currently states that a minimum of 4,000 people in the United States will get cancer from dioxin -- at least ten new cases every day. The Bush administration is delaying the report claiming a dispute over the interpretation of mountain ash studies on the health effects of dioxin.

StarLink Corn: The First GMO Snafu

This article appeared in the Wedge Co-op Newsletter, December 2000/January 2001. Overview on how StarLink Corn, not approved for human consumption, ended up in the food supply.

Putting Profits Ahead of the Public's Health

Doctors and government officials are in a race to save one of modern "miracle cures," antibiotics that are essential for treating serious food poisoning and other infections. Unfortunately Bayer Corporation, maker of Bayer Aspirin and Flintstones vitamins, is erecting hurdles in the path of this public health effort.

Public Interest Groups Criticize Bayer Refusal To Comply With FDA Proposal To Ban Antibiotic Used In

On November 30, Bayer Corporation decided against immediate compliance with a proposed FDA ban on use of its product, Baytril, in poultry. Eleven health, consumer and public interest groups issued this press release criticizing Bayer, and warning its refusal blocks protection of public health.

Institute Calls on State Attorneys General To Investigate StarLink Corn Disaster

IATP sent a letter to Attorney's General in seven states calling for immediate action to protect farmers from extensive harm in relation to genetically engineered StarLink corn due to reckless corporate behavior that violated the terms of StarLink registration by allowing it to enter the human food supply.  