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GE - ACTIVISTS DECONTAMINATE CARDIFF SAINSBURY’S


Genetic Engineering Network
Tel. 0181 374 9516
genetics@gn.apc.org
NEWS RELEASE

<<Strict embargo until 11:00am Thursday 4th March>>

Action Contact: Pete (mobile) 07971 302412
Background (Friends of the Earth): 01222 229577 

GENETICS ACTIVISTS DECONTAMINATE LOCAL SAINSBURY’S SUPERMARKET

At 11:00am Thursday March 4th, five direct activists will remove genetically
modified products from the shelves at Sainsbury’s (*1), Colchester Ave.,
Cardiff (*2).  This action is being undertaken to inform the public of the
risks that genetically modified foods pose to human health (*3), the
environment (*4), and the developing world (*5).

The Cardiff decontamination is part of the first national day of action
against
genetically modified food in Wales, organised in conjunction with the Green
Party (*6).

The activists (*7) wearing full laboratory decontamination suits (*8), will be
sealing products (*9) in air tight containers and taking them to the store
manager for disposal.

Chris Parker, one of the decontaminators and a scientist in the biotechnology
field said:



“Genetic manipulation of food is an inherently unpredictable technology.
No one
can be sure of the safety of genetically manipulated foods, and the
environment
is already being damaged as a result of genetically manipulated crop
production”
ENDS


Notes to the editor:

(*1) Lord Sainsbury, as Science Minister, decides the level of funding for
biotechnology, a sum set to rise by £23M over the next three years. He also
has
substantial shares in the biotechnology companies Diatech and Innotech.
(2*) Please assemble for briefing at the main entrance of TGI Friday’s (Rt.
hand side of Newport Road travelling out of town) at 10:40am sharp, so as not
to jeopardize the action.   Colchester Avenue is off Newport Road, left hand
side travelling out of Cardiff.
(*3) Crops genetically engineered to include a gene from Brazil nuts caused
allergic reactions in some nut allergy sufferers. Dr. Arpad Pusztai, formerly
of the Rowett institute, Aberdeen was sacked and instructed not to speak to
the
media following his claims that genetically modified potatoes fed to rats
suppressed their immune systems and harmed their growth and development.
Biotechnology giant Monsanto previously contributed £140,000 to the Rowett
institute.
(*4) Monsanto’s Roundup-Ready GM Soya has resulted in increased use of
Monsanto’s Roundup, a powerful herbicide.
(*5) The advent of Terminator Technology means that any seeds saved by the
farmers will be infertile, forcing them into buying seeds from large
corporations every  year.
(*6) Contact: Green party, Bangor (Jim): 01248 371941
(*7) Five experienced local direct activists: three decontaminators and two
safety supervisors (inc. Chris Parker  see quote, first page).
(*8) Protective equipment to include the following (all used in biotechnology
labs):
Air-tight, labelled biohazard containment bags
Latex examination gloves Safety goggles
Safety masks All over white suits with hoods
(*9) Sainsbury’s have between 40-50 own products labelled as including
genetically modified ingredients including:
Chicken breast fillets with lemon and pepper; dried cous-cous with onion and
bacon flavour, vegetarian bolognese sauce, sardine and tomato pate, and
vegetarian moussaka. They are now in the process of labelling GE derivatives
which will greatly increase this number. 

Notes to pictures editors
· Photo-opportunity: decontamination inside the supermarket (Please
assemble for
briefing at the main entrance of TGI Friday’s (Rt. hand side of Newport road
travelling out of town) at 10:40am sharp, so as not to jeopardize the action.
· Photo opportunity: ten to twenty activists talking to shoppers outside the
supermarket 11:00-11:30.  Visual props to include banners and placards.
· Colour photographs will be available from the press contact at approximately
1:00pm (please order these by 11:30am latest)
· Protective equipment used by the three decontaminators (all used in
biotechnology labs):
Airtight, labeled biohazard containment bags (blue labels, clear bags).
Latex examination gloves Safety goggles
Safety masks All over white suits with hoods
· Protective equipment to be used by the two safety supervisors:
Orange and red flashing warning lights Clipboards        
      Laboratory coats (white)
ENDS