Sneak Attack on Organic Standards

[Kaye]

Just want to make everyone aware of the sneak attack on organic standards by the USDA. See the website: www.organicconsumers.com. Click on "news" (in small print) in the top upper left. It will list events chronologically. The sneak attack is highlighted in red on Sept. 27. Also, updates are listed on Oct. 6th, and throughout the list. This is an attempt by large corporations, such as Kraft, Smucker/Knudson's, etc. to allow synthetics into organics. There is a link within the content of the news where you can easily send a "letter" via e mail to your congressman (or you can call) to express your concern. This is a time sensitive issue and a grassroots effort to get the word out. Your actions may save the organic industry. Please take action.
Thanks!
Kaye

[Blue Dolfin]

Congress Poised to Pass Bill Taking Away Right to Know What's in Your Food

The House of Representatives will vote this week on a controversial "national food uniformity" labeling law that will take away local government and states' power to require food safety labels such as those required in California and other states on foods or beverages that are likely to cause cancer, birth defects, allergic reactions, or mercury poisoning.

This bill would also prevent citizens in local municipalities and states from passing laws requiring that genetically engineered foods and ingredients such as Monsanto's recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH) be labeled.

The House will vote March 2, 2006 on a bill that would gut state food safety and labeling laws. H.R. 4167, the "National Uniformity for Food Act," lowers the bar on food safety by overturning state food safety laws that are not "identical" to federal law. Hundreds of state laws and regulations are at risk, including those governing the safety of milk, fish, and shellfish. The bill is being pushed by large supermarket chains and food manufacturers, spearheaded by the powerful Grocery Manufacturers of America.

Big food corporations and the biotech industry understand that consumers are more and more concerned about food safety, genetic engineering, and chemical-intensive agriculture, and are reading labels more closely. They understand that pesticide and mercury residues and hazardous technologies such as genetic engineering and food irradiation will be rejected if there are truthful labels required on food products. Industry-sponsored H.R. 4167 is gaining momentum and must be stopped!

Act now! Preserve local and regional democracy and protect yourself and your family from unsafe food by sending an email or calling your Representative and urging them to vote "No" on H.R. 4167.

Please Take Action Now--Send a Message to Your Congress Member in the House of Representatives to Vote "No" on H.R. 4167. Call your Congress Member at 202-224-3121.

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h109-4167