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FDA Confirms Contamination of Taco Shells
FDA to declare a "Class II" recall

Washington, DC - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today revealed to members of the Genetically Engineered Food Alert coalition that agency testing has confirmed the presence of genetically engineered ingredients not approved for human consumption in taco shells distributed by Kraft. The agency also stated today that it would officially recall the taco shells on Wednesday based on the results of testing conducted by FDA.

Genetically Engineered Food Alert, a coalition of consumer and environmental groups, called for the recall of the taco shells two weeks ago after positive test results by an independent laboratory indicated the presence of Starlink corn. Starlink is a genetically engineered strain of corn produced by Aventis, and is approved only for use as animal feed, not for human consumption.

FDA will officially declare a Class II recall defined as "a situation in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote." The taco shells were voluntary recalled by Kraft last week.

According to coalition members present at a meeting today with FDA officials, the agency is not certain how the adulterated corn entered the food supply. It will now begin testing other food products that contain yellow corn #2, a low-grade corn used for processed food and animal feed. FDA officials also confirmed today that the agency has obtained a list of all farms that have planted Starlink corn in order to track the current crops and to prevent these crops from entering the human food supply again.

"It is incredibly important that FDA officials make public the exact locations of the plantings to protect adjacent farmers against contamination of their corn," said Larry Bohlen, Director of Health and Environment Programs at Friends of the Earth, a member of the Genetically Engineered Food Alert coalition.

"The current regulations for genetically engineered foods at FDA are weak and inadequate. If FDA's policy does not require mandatory labeling and comprehensive safety testing, it will be a betrayal to the American public," said U.S. PIRG Environmental Advocate Richard Caplan.

Genetically Engineered Food Alert believes that other products could also test positive for Starlink corn, and is currently testing other processed corn products. Genetically Engineered Food Alert will also call on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to recall Aventis' license for Starlink corn.

About GE Food Alert and GEFoodAlert.Org
Genetically Engineered Food Alert founding members include: Center for Food Safety, Friends of the Earth, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, National Environmental Trust, Organic Consumers Association, Pesticide Action Network North America, and the State Public Interest Research Groups.

Genetically Engineered Food Alert supports the removal of genetically engineered ingredients from grocery store shelves unless they are adequately safety tested and labeled. The campaign provides web-based opportunities for individuals to express concern about genetically engineered food and fact sheets on health, environmental and economic information about genetically engineered food. The campaign is endorsed by more than 250 scientists, religious leaders, doctors, chefs, environmental and health leaders, as well as farm groups.

Background material is available on web at www.gefoodalert.org/recall