Sanet Post, Ronald Nigh, November 14, 1996

Genetic ID from Fairfield, Iowa offers a service to identify genetically altered food. Te company claims to own technology that "positively detects genetically-altered foods" by scanning the DNA structure of the crop samples send to their laboratory. Many, though apparently not all processed foods are also testable.

During the recent Natural Foods Expo in Baltimore comments circulated to the effect that European countries have contacted the firm to explore the possibility of postively identifying genetically altered ingredients and therefore requiring labelling or excluding them from the market. The general feeling was that this option creates a new correlation of forces in the GMO battle.

The company cites some interesting survey results in its promotional literature but, unfortunately, does not supply full citations of the studies: A Rutgers University study of 604 New Jersey residents found that 42% were either "not at all willing" or "not very willing" to buy genetically engineered produce. In the same survey 53% responded that they have "little faith" in compaines that make genetically engineered products. An Australian survey of 1,378 people found that 71% believe the long term health danger of genetically altered foods to be "a big worry" "a very big worry" or a "huge worry". Further, 89% support the required labelling of genetically-engineered foods. A survey of 1500 Canadians found that 51% are "extremely concerned" or "very concerned" about such foods. In europe 72% of 12,800 survey participants de2scribed such foods as risky, and they were collectively rated "unacceptable" in a Dutch survey of 870 people. Turn around time for samples is 48 hours and the cost is around $450.

Company info:
Genetic ID
500 North Third Street, Suite 208
Fairfield, Iowa 52556
Phone 515/472-9979 FAX 515/472-9198

Information provided as a service. Neither Dana Association nor anyone associated with our organization has any commercial interest in this product.

Ronald Nigh
Dana Association
Mexico
danamex@mail.internet.com.mx
Tel & FAX: 529/678-7215