Shopping List 3/22/97

To get this periodic update on Genetically Safe Food, request to be on the "Shopping list" to: 
Marie Zenack  <sunrider@kdsi.net>

GENETICALLY ORIGINAL SHOPPING is intended to find out and share as much info as possoble about purchasing genetically original food. (If you don't want to receive this, let me know.  If you have friends who want the info, have them send me a message to that effect.   Thanks.



Please review the list to make sure everyone agrees that it is as accurate as we can tell, or to make suggestions, etc. At the end of this list are suggestions on how to research a company.  This list can really grow if everyone takes their favorite five companies.  If your begin to research a particular company, let me know and I will put it on the 'in process' list so that we do not duplicate efforts.  Once you have a response from the company, let me know.  If it is positive, please fax or snail mail me a copy.  
Marie Zenack, 701 S. 2nd St. Fairfield, IA 52556, USA, Phone/Faxs-515-472-6948.
  
It is important that any info we get be in writing because, for legal reasons, companies are very careful about what they put in writing. We have developed a webb site (www.lisco.com/mothersfornaturallaw) where the good guys can find each other.  If we have a company's response in writing, we will call them back about being on the webb site.


COMPANIES ON BOARD:


DAIRY: 
All lifestock feed 100% organic feed.  All products rGBH free.  If dairy produces cheese, they use genetically original rennet.

Radiance Dairy, 1745 Brookville Rd, Fairfield, IA, USA
Researcher:<sunrider@kdsi.net> Nov,96)

Organic Valley Cropp cooperative, LaFarge WI 608-625-2602 (Info is on label.)

Horizon Dairy - (Dec, 96,PO Box 17577  Boulder,  CO  80308,
Researcher:<walker@fairfield.com> or <ticciati@kdsi.net>

Harmony Hills Organic Dairy: Researcher:<sunrider@kdsi.net>

Morningland Dairy, Rt 1 Box 188 B Mountain View, MO 65548
Eggs from Diana(DJ) and Bill Runyan, sold starting this week through Everybody's Market under the name of Iowa Oasis.

GREENS PLUS - I have researched this company and found it to be gene free.
Contains only organic and hydroponic elements.  Company spokesperson is
Elise Masheleau at 1-800-258-0444. 
Researcher:  <hiscott@fox.nstn.ca>
(I have not received the fax of company response yet but researcher will send it.  Marie Zenack)

GARDENING:

Richter Herbs wrote:  All of our seeds are either collected from wild plants or produced in traditional ways practiced for millenia.  We do not offer genetically engineered plants or seeds. 

Goodwood, ON  L0C 1A0, Canada,Tel +1-905-640-6677  Fax 640-6641, 
Info:info@richters.com, Catalog Requests:  catalog@richters.com,  Website: www.richters.com
researcher:<merrygold@pobox.com>

Arbico Environmentals:  Providing sustainable alternatives for home and business.  "We can personally certify that our Bt sprays and other products are not genetically engineered or produced from a genetically engineered organizm or process." 1-800-827-2847 
researcher: sunrider@kdsi.net

Apparently BOUNTIFUL GARDENS, SEEDS OF CHANGE, NATIVE SEEDS/SEARCH
are all using open pollinated seeds.  <sunrider@kdsi.net>

SOY PRODUCTS:

Eden Foods, which makes Eden soy products, etc, are very strong in their stand to only use non-gen eng. ingredients.   Their purchaser said on the phone that they source all their ingredients from the farmer to the consumer.  Sent the following in writing:  "Please let this letter serve as our affidavit and your assurance that Eden foods will not purchase or sell any food or food ingredient known to be genetically engineered and that we will act to best insure our avoidance of such."  
Eden foods, Inc. 701 Tecumsey Rd., Clinton, MI 49236.517-456-7424)
Researcher:<sunrider@kdsi.net> Jan, 97)

Nature Farm Foods, Inc. All grains OCIA certified organic.  
850 NBC Center, Lincoln, NE 68508, 402-474-7576, Fax: 402-474-7591  
Researcher: Cathy Bortz, 2000 N. Court # 15C, Fairfield, IA 52556.  January, 1997

Sunrider, which makes NuPlus, an herbal powder which also contains soy beans. Sent the following in writing:   "Dr. Chen wanted me to advise you that he has complete cotrol over all ingredients used in Sunrider products, and Sunrider definitely does not use any genetic engineered foods."  
1625 Abalone Ave,Torrance CA 90501,310-781-8096.
Researcher:<sunrider@kdsi.net>, Oct, 9.1996

YEAST:

RED STAR YEAST does not use genetic engineering in their processes.  Did
not promise to avoid in the future. Nov. 96.  Universal foods Corporation,
Technical Center, 6143 N. 60th street, Milwaukee, WI 53218.  Red Star Yeast
is distributed through Frontier Herbs. 
Researcher: <judy_kew@txinfinet.com>

TOMATO SAUCE:  
Millinas Finest, Morgan Hill, CA 95037.  Info is on label.
But read it anyway in case things change! 
Researcher:<sunrider@kdsi.net

Muir Glen, P.O, Box 1498, Sacramento, CA, 95812.  Info is on
label, but read it anyway in case things change.
Researcher:<sunrider@kdsi.net


WHOLE FOODS MARKET in the U.S. is contacting all their suppliers and requesting that they sign written papers certifying that they use no genetically engineered products in their whole and processed foods.
researcher: <pmligotti@earthlink.net>  

WholeFoods is a retailer and probably at this point they cannot be sure of all their products. But apparently soon they will be able to be more certain and this is definitely a significant step.  We are waiting for their written or public statement.


COMPANIES BEING INTERVIEWED:


AMY'S FOOD COMPANY.  researcher:  suzaraa@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu

ALVARADO STREET BREAD:  Researcher:<sunrider@kdsi.net>

ALL ONE GOD FAITH: (Dr. Bronners)  Jim Bronner called to say he was
sending the info packet on to their supplier.  He sent for info from
Genetic ID.  Researcher:<sunrider@kdsi.net>

FLEISCHMAN'S YEAST: Have not faxed back, even after reminder.
researcher: <judy_kew@txinfinet.com>

GHEE PRODUCERS:   Researcher <Keyhal@aol.com>

LIGHTFOODS, INC of Greenfield, MA, makers of Wonderdogs(tm) vegetarian hot dogs, is interested in the use of non ge soy beans and wheat though at the moment their suppliers have informed them that they can not promise them that. I am preparing to send them some info and will keep you updated on the results. 
Researcher: merrygold@pobox.com

LIVE FOODS PRODUCTS, (BRAGGS): said they are researching this issue.
Researcher:<sunrider@kdsi.net>

SAN-J SOY SAUCE: (About that little bit of alcohol made from CORN) Said they would be requiring genetic verification from supplier of alcohol and lab.  Took info on genetic id test. 
Researcher:<sunrider@kdsi.net>

SPRINGTOWN GROCERY in Kalona: an Amish Coop that delivers the eggs to Everybody's Market in Fairfield - What are their chickens and lifestock eating?  What kind of rennet do they use to make cheese?
Researcher:<sunrider@kdsi.net>

WHOLESOME & HEARTY FOODS researcher:  suzaraa@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu

WHOLE FOODS RETAIL MARKETS:  See above, in Companies on Board. 
researcher: <pmligotti@earthlink.net>


COMPANIES NOT ON BOARD:

Most Home Gardening Catalogs Are Now Carrying Genetically Altered Potatoes


Alta-Dena contracts out their products and so cannot always guarantee
what is in or not in them. Researcher: <judy_kew@txinfinet.com>

Barbara's Bakery sees nothing wrong with genetically engineered food.
researcher: <judy_kew@txinfinet.com>

Land of Lakes will never be on board.  Fredlud@aol.com

Land of Lake does genetic research and have genetically manipulated the rhizobium bacteria through their company called Research Seeds.  This bacteria could contaminate the earth. 
Researcher Eileen Dannemann NCOW c/o <sunrider@kdsi.net>

Cabot Creamery was taken over by AgriMark more than 5 years ago.  About a year ago they came out as proponents of rBGH use.  AgriMark is one of the largest distributors of milk in New England, mostly selling to other companies for processing. 
researcher:  briant@sun.goddard.edu (Brian Tokar)

Carnation Infant formula wrote back that concerns about genetically engineered soy beans is unfounded because the FDA says they are safe.
Researcher:Eileen Dannemann, NCOW c/o <<sunrider@kdsi.net> 
(Please add address)

The Infant Formula council says that parents and health professionals
don't need to worry because the industry conforms to FDA industry
standards.  5775 Peachtree, Dunwoody Rd, Suite 500, Atlanta, Georgia 30342,
404-252-3663 Fax 404-252-0774 
Researcher: Eileen Danneman NCOW  c/o <sunrider@kdsi.net>

Frito-Lay, Inc. 1-800-352-4477, 
P.O. Box 660634, Dallas, TX 75266-0634 
Attn: Nutritionist 3B-167, 

"The corn used in Frito-Lay product is grown specifically for Frito-Lay and are not genetically engineered. However, from time to time, we do purchase small amounts of  corn on the open market. Since genetically engineered corn is not required to be labeled, it is possible that minute amounts of genetically engineered corn could find its way into FRITOS, DORITOS or TOSTITOS." They then go on to say that the FDA, USDA and EPA say that ge corn is safe. 
Researcher: <105147.3144@compuserve.com>

SEED COMPANIES AND GARDENING CATALOGS:


ICI/Garst Seed Co wrote:  "We are offering genetically engineered seeds to our customers.  To get our official stand on these issues I would suggest contacting our Communications Mgr in Coon Rapids, IA.  His name is Mike Smidt, and his phone number is  (712)684-3243." 
researcher: <merrygold@pobox.com

Gardens alive:  They were unable to tell me which, if any, of their Bt sprays is genetically altered.  They gave me the name of the company that sells it to them.  This company said that they only packaged it and that they would get back to me.  They called back and said that their Colorado potato beetle BT is genetically altered.  They did not know under what name Gardens Alive sells it.  So, It seems that we can really not be sure of any of the biological controls in Gardens Alive.
Researcher:  sunrider@kdsi.net

VITAMINS AND SUPPLELMENTS:


Twin Labs.  They have admitted to 30 products with aspartame and said if we could prove it was a poison they would remove it.  We sent them so much material and independent studies that were unrefutable.  Their dietitian then wrote and said they still were not going to take it out.
Researcher:betty@pd.org

Twin Labs wrote that their brewers yeast is organically produced and genetically original.  Their nutritional yeast is  genetically original but not organic.  Can we trust them if they are willing to use aspartame? 
Jan. 97,  2120 Smithtown Ave, Ronkonkoma, N.Y. 11779 
516-467-3140  Fax: 516-467-3083 
Researcher:<sunrider@kdsi.net> Dec, 96.)


OTHER INFO:

A genetic Id test for soy and corn is available from 
Genetic Id, 500 N. 3rd St., suite 208, Fairfield, Ia 52556. USA. 
515-472-9979  Fax: 515-472-9198
Send a message to:<cjorgen@fairfield.com> and they will fax info to the company.

What we have learned about butter by following the issue closely last year is that most comanies seem to give butter their lowest priority in terms of using their best milk, vs. whatever they ca get on the spot market.

In this country there are four types of rennet available: 
1)From the calf's stomach (rarely used since BSE crisis) 
2) genetically engeneered cow's rennet 
3) a natural enzyme from a mold that produces the same effect as rennet, 
4)  a genetically altered version of this natural enzyme.

Obviously only number 3 is acceptable.  We have been checking with the manufacturers and have found some good supplies.

The two trade names for g.e. rennet are "Chymosin" and "chymax".  You can still get the genetically unaltered vegetable rennet, "Mucor Mihei", sometimes called "microbial enzyme" on the cheese package, but this name has also been used to describe the enetically engineered rennnet. Any cheese supplier is able to supply vegetable rennet. 
For example ,Chr. Hansen in Wisconsin at 1-800-558-0802 <judy_kew@txinfinet.com>, Nov. 96)

NEEDED:  Someone to research seed catalogs.  Ask them: 
1)  Their position on genetic engineering. 
2)  Their position on hybrid seeds and the patenting of life forms. 
3)  Do they product their own seeds or are they brokering them for someone else?  Notice that <merrygold@pobox.com> is researching some and so ask me which ones she is researching before you begin.

Someone to educate the tomato sauce industry and find us some safe sauce.

Someone to educate the bread makers.  Some Concerns are: Soy lecithin must be organic.  Yeast must be genetically unaltered.  Let them know that Red Star is genetically unalteredSho.  All corn, soy, canola must be organic.
Notice that <sunrider@kdsi.net> is researching Alvarado Street Bread.


HOW TO RESEARCH:


Here are a few tips that I have found as I call companies.

Step 1 is always to call the company and ask for the purchaser.  Introduce yourself, and tell them that you are going to send a packet of information on the genetic engineering of our food supply.  ASK FOR THEIR NAME. This is to keep you from having to send a dozen packets before you get someone to respond.

Step 2 is to send the packet, or a copy of the packet, from:
Mother's for Natural Law, available by sending $3. to 
P.O. box 1177 fairfield, IA 52556.

Don't underestimate the power of this packet.  It lets them know that there is a whole movement behind your phone call.  Include your personal cover letter, professionally done. 

In the letter make the following clear: 
a) Genetically engineered food is being mixed in the market and cannot be distinguished from other food.  Therefore, only organically produced foods can be certified as genetically original. 
b) The American Campaign to Ban Genetically Engineered Food is compiling a list of food suppliers who provide genetically original foods. 
c)  If they can tell us in writing or on their label that they use entirely organically certified ingredients, or if they can tell us in writing that they are in contact with their farmers and personally verify that the foods are genetically original, we will include them on the list and MAKE IT AVAILABLE TO CONSUMERS.

Step 3 is to call the person back and make sure they got the packet, get their response, and go from there.  It will usually become clear if the company doesn't want to be bothered, or if they are on board, or if they would like to be on board.  If they are on board, ask for it in writing. If they want to be on board, ask them what they need, and get back to me or post it on Ban-GEF. A local organic farmers cooperative is forming in Iowa and surrounding states.  We may be able to connect them with a source of organic ingredients. Also we are beginning to network with other Organic Cooperatives.  If you have a question or problem as you go along, send me an email messsage and I'll try to get back ASAP.

Don't forget to tell them about the genetic Id test for soy and corn that is available from: 
Genetic Id, 500 N. 3rd St., suite 208, Fairfield, Ia52556. USA.
515-472-9979  Fax: 515-472-9198 <cjorgen@fairfield.com>

This list of steps is not definitive.  If you come up with other ideas, please let me know.  "It is better to lightone candle than to curse the darkness".


Marie Zenack
sunrider@kdsi.net