European food sellers seek genetic IDs
UPf 30.05.97 14:46
Copyright 1997 United Press International. All rights reserved.
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LONDON, May 30 (UPI) -- The British Retail Consortium and
eight other European retail trade associations have sent an open
letter to the U.S. grain industry warning of possible segregation
of genetically modified crops.
The Wall Street Journal reports the letter warns consumers are
squeamish over biotechnology and that could mean U.S. corn and
soybean shipments will no longer be welcome after this year.
The letter warns that several member nations of the European
Union might require the complete segregation of genetically
modified crops from traditional varieties if U.S. companies don't
act voluntarily.
The letter says, "Otherwise, the 1996 U.S. harvest of
genetically modified (soybeans and corn) could indeed be the last
to be welcomed in Europe."
The Journal reports that some European supermarket executives
have already complained about their inability to label food
products such as bread when they contain ingredients made from
genetically modified crops.
The letter is supported by groups from Denmark, Finland, France,
Germany and Sweden.
Europe imports about $2.5 billion of U.S. soybeans annually and
the Clinton administration has indicated to industry officials it
would contest before the World Trade Organization any attempts by
the European Union to hinder imports of genetically modified
crops.
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Copyright 1997 by United Press International.
All rights reserved.
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