WALMART – Unlabeled genetically modified sweet corn

FoodFirst writes, “Walmart has decided to sell unlabeled, untested, Monsanto GMO sweet corn.” “Bt toxin works as an insecticide by disintegrating the lining of insects’ stomachs when they ingest the corn.  What is this doing to the bodies of your customers who eat the corn? We don’t know, and without labeling, won’t know which corn is natural and which is genetically engineered.”

(FoodFirst – The right to know versus the right to impose)

Food First continues “On September 8^th, we need to make sure that Walmart hears from us directly.   We’re asking everybody to come together in a day of action to make sure Walmart knows exactly how you feel about this decision.

Here’s how you can help:

• Find a local Walmart near you. http://www.walmart.com/cservice/ca_storefinder.gsp
• Get your friends, family, and others together.
• Write a letter expressing your feeling, or simply print and sign your name to the one below.
• On September 8^th at noon, deliver your letter in person to your local Walmart.  Ask to speak to a manager to deliver your letter directly.

Here’s some tips:

• Make it fun!  Dress like corn, carry corn related items, or have signs with you.
• Take pictures of yourself and the other activists outside the store.
• Keep it civil and polite.  We want to deliver a message, not cause trouble.  If you are asked to leave, do so.
• If you live in California, print out Yes on 37 Flyers to distribute to customers.  http://www.carighttoknow.org/field

Let’s make sure they hear us!

Sample Letter to Walmart

Attention: managers, board members, and decision makers at Walmart:

I’m writing to you today to protest your decision to sell untested, toxin spliced sweet corn from Monsanto without giving any information to customers.  If this corn is to be sold in your stores, it MUST be labeled as genetically engineered.

Bt toxin works as an insecticide by disintegrating the lining of insects’ stomachs when they ingest the corn.  What is this doing to the bodies of your customers who eat the corn? We don’t know, and without labeling, won’t know which corn is natural and which is genetically engineered.

The genetically engineered sweet corn, which has been manipulated at the DNA level to withstand pesticides that are sprayed on it, has never been proven safe. The US Food and Drug Administration require no safety testing of genetically engineered foods.  No long-term health studies have been conducted, and no labeling will be provided to alert unsuspecting consumers exactly what they are eating.

Today, Walmart has the opportunity to send a strong message of caring and compassionate support to their customers by doing two simple things. Walmart should listen to their customers and only sell Monsanto’s genetically modified sweet corn if it is clearly labeled as such.

I thank you for your time and consideration, and I request the courtesy of a written response as to how Walmart will address my concerns.

Sincerely,

DONATE NOW to Food First. Your donations provide three out of four dollars used in our work aimed at changing the underlying conditions that allow one in seven people to go hungry. There is no shortage of food, even now in a time of drought.

 

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Tags: Advocacy, Health