The following is the answer to an inquiry of Boca Burger as to their GMO ingredients.

Mon, 30 Aug 1999
From Wilberding, Stephanie swilberding@bocaburger.com

Thank you for your recent inquiry regarding genetically modified soy. We understand that this is an important issue to our consumers and want to clarify Boca Burger's position.

Boca Burger, Inc. is committed to providing its customers with great-tasting products made with the highest quality of soy. Scientific evidence continues to mount regarding the health benefits of soy, which include lowering the risk of heart disease.

As the article in the September issue of Consumer Reports says: "There's no evidence that genetically engineered foods on the market are unsafe to eat." In fact, the AMA, the FDA and ADA are just a few among those in the government, medical and health-care communities who've found genetically engineered foods to be safe. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman himself has said: "Our best scientists have searched for risks. Without exception, the biotech products on our shelves have proven safe."

It is important to note that the products Consumer Reports found to contain genetically engineered ingredients are only 12 among thousands of U.S. products affected by this issue, including all major soy-based meatless products.

From our perspective, this is not a food safety issue; this is a food labeling issue.

In the near term, we expect to conduct research among our consumers to gain a better understanding of their attitudes and concerns regarding this issue. If our consumer research concludes that labeling of genetically modified soy is important to them, we'll take appropriate action.

In the meantime, Boca Burger will continue to work closely with its suppliers on the issue of availability of non-genetically modified soy and the viability of its use in our products.

Thank you for your inquiry.

Sincerely,

Katie Torres
Vice President, Marketing
Boca Burger, Inc.