The FDA has recently approved the use of cloned milk and meat products to be introduced into our food supply. According to their studies done on the flesh and milk of cloned
animals (funded by whom?), nutrition composition is relatively indistinguishable. Since testing methods have determined cloned meat and milk to be biochemically identical to naturally created creatures, these products will not be labeled as cloned (according to Eric Schlosser of Fast Food Nation fame), despite the fact that over 60% of Americans are uncomfortable with the idea of introducing cloned products into the food supply.
This technology is only 4 years old – far too soon to rule definitively on safety. We know from the past that breeding single variations of crops lead to an increase in pesticide use due to higher risk of pests and diseases wiping out entire fields. Keep in mind there are genetic variances within the same crop species (such as iceberg lettuce) — but what would happen if the DNA were identical? Cloned species without genetic variance pose a wealth of unknown consequences. Companies which have invested in cloning are eager to be able to make a profit on their research and hard work – already the “long” four year wait has forced one comapny into bankruptcy, so pressures are high.
To find out more about some of the concerns on cloned animal products, I recommend clicking here to visit Food and Water Watch, a consumer education and advocacy group working to diminish corporate control of food and water resources. The National Organic Standards Board has met and made the recommendation that products from clones and their offspring not be labeled as organic, thus upholding the integrity of the USDA Certified Organic Label. Soon organics may be our only assurance that we are not consuming cloned animals.
If you are uncomfortable with the idea of UNKNOWINGLY consuming cloned animals and their milks, you have until May 3rd to tell the FDA by emailing them your objections or calling 1-888-463-6332 . I urge you to contact them to voice your concerns!
Washington Post article
