On Monday, the day before World Consumer Rights Day, Greenpeace
accused two of the world's leading food producers of using
genetically modified ingredients in their products sold in
China.
An inspection of 28 food products that was commissioned by the
environmental protection organization earlier this year revealed
that the Ritz crackers, produced by Kraft Foods, and the corn soup
of the Campbell Soup Company contained genetically engineered
soybeans.
Greenpeace campaigner Ma Tianjie said in a press release that
the two food producers, which have agreed not to use GM ingredients
in products sold in Europe, have failed to apply the same standards
in China.
Ma said the two companies have violated Chinese consumers'
rights of access to information on foods they buy.
"Chinese consumers deserve the same rights and safety standards.
Adopting double standards is irresponsible to consumers and will
also tarnish the business credibility of the two companies," Ma
said.
China's regulations require labeling only of GM soybeans, corn,
rape, cotton and tomatoes, their seeds and edible oil made from
them.?
Kraft is the second largest food producer in the world and has
opened several ventures in China. Campbell is a leading soup
provider.
Campbell Soup Asia Ltd. told China Daily on Monday that
its Golden Corn soup is manufactured in North America, where almost
70 percent of all soybeans are genetically modified.
Highly refined soy protein is used as a flavor enhancer in the
soup. That means it is a minor constituent, so if the soup does
contain genetically modified material it would be at an extremely
low level, the company said.
It says food labeling regulations are currently being reviewed
and modified in many countries, including China, and the company
will comply with local regulations at all times.
China Daily reported that Kraft declined to comment when
it contacted the company, but on its website Kraft admits GM
ingredients may be used in its products in Asia.
Meanwhile, the latest consumer survey commissioned by Greenpeace
shows that Chinese consumers have become more aware of GM food and
more of them are rejecting it. International market research
company Ipsos conducted the survey in Beijing, Shanghai and
Guangzhou, with 200 people questioned in each of the three
cities.
According to the survey, 62 percent of respondents are aware of
GM food, compared with 52 percent in a similar survey commissioned
by Greenpeace a year ago.
The proportion of respondents who think it is necessary to label
GM food was 83 percent, down from the previous 90 percent.
But 57 percent said they would choose non-GM food over the
modified version, a dramatic rise from 40 percent in the previous
survey.
Some 73 percent said they would choose non-GM rice over the
modified version.
China has been considering commercializing GM rice in an effort
to boost grain production and reduce the use of dangerous
pesticides. Officials say a decision may be made by the middle of
the year.
If the country gives the project the green light, it will be the
first in the world to experiment with genetic modification in its
staple crop, according to Greenpeace.
The focus of this year's World Consumer Rights
Day is genetically modified organisms. A global campaign
is being conducted to demand that alternatives to GM foods be
protected, as well as to ensure that all GM foods are labeled and
undergo independent safety testing.
(China.org.cn, agencies March 15, 2005)