Channel 7 broke the news that Pfizer/Wyeth’s S26 soy formula tested positive for GM soy and corn. (Scroll down to ‘video archive’, then select ‘Baby Formula Test’.) Greenpeace had found the contamination and asked MADGE to help as the formula has tested positive 10 times over the past few years.
The next day mums in Sydney and Melbourne occupied Woolies and Coles supermarkets asking them to remove the contaminated formula from their shelves. Six Sydney mums were arrested. The MADGE mums in Melbourne put warning labels on the formula, were interviewed by Channel 7 and, after waiting five hours with no response from the management, took the tins to the front desk to inform Coles they were selling defective products. In contrast to the inaction by the big supermarket chains, Leo’s supermarkets not only removed the S26 soy from sale but also put up notices to explain why. Thank you Leo’s!
Three days later Greenpeace delivered baby bottles of the contaminated formula to Health Minister Nicola Roxon. Senators Rachel Siewart (Greens) and Nick Xenophon (Independent) committed to introducing legislation to tighten our GM food labeling laws. At the event Professor Peter Collignon warned that the use of antibiotic resistance genes in GM food could lead to the rise of superbugs.
Pfizer/Wyeth’s response to the scandal is to say GM contamination should be expected. This is not adequate. There are no studies showing whether it is safe to expose babies to any level of GM, as we explained in our press releases: GM in infant formula & No safe levels of GM.
MADGE has contacted Pfizer to arrange a meeting on this issue.
Thank you to everyone who took part in these events (especially the MADGE mums), it is only by being willing to take action that we can make a difference.
Which infant formulas tested positive for GM?
GM Positive:
- S-26 Soy-based breast milk replacement formula
- Karicare Food Thickener
- Nestle Nan Pro
- Heinz Nurture Toddler
- Novolac Stage 1
- Novolac Colic
- Pediasure Milk Drink
These results relate only to the specific batch of each company’s formula tested by Greenpeace. If you want to know if the specific formula you are using contains GM, Greenpeace recommends you contact the manufacturer and enquire about its GM policy.
* Karicare tested positive for GM once and negative the second time.
** S-26 SOY tested positive for GM DNA three times – twice with independent testing conducted by Greenpeace and once with independent testing conducted by Channel Seven.
This is a guest post from the brilliant hard working folk over at MADGE Australia.
MADGE is a network of individuals interested in how our food is grown and the effects it has on our health. We are concerned about the lack of adequate labelling and testing of GM foods.
We advocate on behalf of consumers for the right to know what is in our food. We promote information on natural foods and healthy farming practices.
