GE Food Labellers Stopped By Loblaws Security Agents

Date: Sun, 30 Jul 2000 22:19:11 -0700
To: sust-mar@chebucto.ns.ca
From: Aaron Koleszar <aaronk@isn.net>
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----------- Forwarded Message ------------

From: "Citizens' Voluntary Labelling Collective" <cvlcpei@hotmail.com>

For Immediate Release
July 30, 2000

GE Food Labellers Stopped By Loblaws Security Agents

Charlottetown, PEI - Last weekend members of the Citizens' Voluntary 
Labelling Collective (CVLC) were confronted by plainclothes security agents 
at the (Loblaws-owned) IGA (not so) Independent supermarket. After leaving 
the building, they were stopped by police. However, it was obvious that 
Loblaws (Superstore/IGA) did not want to press charges, as this would garner 
unwanted media attention about unlabelled genetically engineered (GE) food.

After applying warning labels at a number of Charlottetown stores on 
Saturday, July 22, the labellers entered the IGA (not so) Independent store 
to work their magic. After ten minutes inside, the labellers were confronted 
by two individuals who didn't identify themselves. It became clear they were 
security agents when they said "You'll have to come with us." The labellers 
walked to the front of the store, and after a couple of minutes of 
attempting dialogue, decided to leave. The obviously nervous security agents 
had tried to intimidate and scare the labellers, but it was clear they did 
not want to press charges.

After walking out of the IGA (not so) Independent store, three of the 
labellers were stopped by city police in the parking lot. The police were 
joined by the Loblaws security agents, who had phoned the law enforcement 
officials. Upon arrival, a police officer said that he agreed with what the 
CVLC had to say, but disagreed with the labelling methods. The labellers 
were told "That's enough for today." and were given a warning.

Targeted genetically engineered products consisted primarily of products 
which contain corn, canola, or soy. Some examples were infant formula, 
granola bars, and Kellogs Frosted Flakes and Corn Flakes. The labels read 
"WARNING: This product may contain genetically engineered material which has 
not been adequately tested and could be dangerous to your health."

CVLC PEI has continued their labelling campaign throughout the summer, and 
we will not be deterred by intimidation and scare tactics. An anonymous CVLC 
member explained "People do not want to be lab rats in this unnecessary and 
unsafe experiment. Genetic engineering is an inherently unpredictable 
process, and these foods are only tested by the companies who create them." 
So citizens across the country and around the world are applying safety 
warnings in a growing movement to fill the role that government has 
abdicated.

Labelling is on the rise. Concerned citizens will continue to act.

-30-

For more info, contact: <cvlcpei@voluntarylabelling.com>
or visit http://www.voluntarylabelling.com

********Citizens' Voluntary Labelling Collective********
--------- http://www.voluntarylabelling.com -----------
*******************************************************



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