 |
  |
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
Group
stages protest at Kraft CEO's grocery |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
It wasn't a typical sight in front of the Grand Foods Center in Winnetka March 13 as a box of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese and a passerby engaged in a bit of a shouting match. "If you don't like it don't eat it," said a man exiting the Grand. A person dressed like a box of Kraft Macaroni, labeled "Mac and Genes" answered, "Don't push it on kids." Only a handful of people in addition to the box of macaroni and "Mr. Butts," dressed like a giant cigarette, participated in a protest against genetically engineered foods. The demonstration was orchestrated by a group called Genewise and chose Winnetka to protest because Kraft chief executive officer Betsy Holden is a resident. "Mr. Butts" was on hand to demonstrate what Genewise members call the bad public health record of Kraft's parent company, Philip Morris/Altria. The box of macaroni was happy to turn to its side and point to "milk protein concentrate" when asked what ingredient was genetically altered. Genewise founding member Christine Phillips said she commends Holden for calling on the government to strengthen regulations but said her group is demanding Kraft remove genetically engineered ingredients in its products. The group claims Kraft products such as Boca Burgers, Snackwell's crackers, Lunchables, Tombstone Pizza, Post cereal and Stovetop Stuffing have tested positive for containing untested and unlabeled genetically engineered ingredients that may put families at risk. "Kraft needs to stop pushing these virtually untested foods on our kids, just as Philip Morris should stop pushing tobacco," Phillips said. Kathy S. Knuth, Kraft senior director of corporate affairs, said there is a strong consensus among international government, medical and scientific experts, including the Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization, supporting the safety of biotech ingredients. "A significant percentage of corn and soy crops grown in the U.S. have been enhanced using biotechnology," Knuth said. "So it's likely that some of our products contain biotech ingredients from these crops. We have no concerns about the safety of any food biotech crops currently approved and on the market." Holden could not be reached for comment. Dan Klebba, owner of Grand Foods Center, asked the group to move away from the store, citing a no solicitation policy. He declined comment but said the matter is between Kraft and Genewise.
|
|
|
|
 |
|