"GMO-free Intitiative, Kellogg Company Share owner proposal"

"GMO-free Intitiative, Kellogg Company Share owner proposal"

Sisters of Saint Joseph
Kellogg Company 1999 Annual Report

The Sisters of St. Joseph, P.O. Box 34, Nazareth, MI 49074, the holders of 8,000 shares of Kellogg Company common stock, and the Retirement Plans For the Employees of the Sisters of Mercy Regional Community of Detroit, 34605 Twelve Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48331, the holders of 1,100 shares of Kellogg Company common stock, have informed the Company that they intend to present the following proposal at the Annual Meeting of Share Owners.
Adoption of the proposal will require the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the shares of common stock represented in person or by proxy at the meeting. Securities and Exchange Commission rules require that we reprint the proposal and supporting statement as it was submitted to us. The proposal, as submitted, is as follows:
GENETIC ENGINEERING IN FOOD PRODUCTS
WHEREAS:
International markets for genetically engineered (GE) foods are threatened by extensive resistance to gene protection technology, transgenic technology and genetically altered foods;

Several of Europe's largest food retailers, including Tesco, Sainsbury Group, Carrefour, and Rewe, have committed to removing GE ingredients from their store-brand products;

In the UK, three fast-food giants - McDonald's, Burger King, and Kentucky Fried Chicken - are eliminating GE soya and corn ingredients from their menus;

Gerber Products Co. announced in July 1999 that they would not allow GE corn or soybeans in any of their baby foods;

Archer Daniels Midland asked its grain suppliers in August 1999 to segregate their genetically engineered crops from conventional crops;
There is increasing scientific concern that genetically engineered agricultural products may be harmful to humans, animals, or the environment;

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has acknowledged (July 13, 1999) the need to develop a comprehensive approach to evaluating long-term and secondary effects of GE products;

Some GE crops have been engineered to have higher levels of toxins, such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), to make them insect-resistant;

In 1998, research showed that Bt crops are building up Bt toxins in the soil;

In 1999, the European Union proposed the suspension of approval of new genetically engineered organisms until a new safety law for genetically engineered organisms is implemented in 2002. This followed a new study that showed Bt corn pollen may harm monarch butterflies.
In the U.S., we have a long tradition of citizens' "Right to Know"; an expression of this includes the current laws requiring nutritional labeling of foods;

A January 1999 Time/CNN poll indicated that 81% of Americans said that GE food should be labeled as such;

GE crops may incorporate genes that are allergens or from animal species. Individuals can not avoid them for health or religious reasons unless they are labeled;

The European Union requires labeling of GE foods, and labeling has been proposed by governmental authorities in Japan, New Zealand, and Australia.
RESOLVED:
Shareholders request the Board of Directors to adopt a policy of removing genetically engineered crops, organisms, or products thereof from all products sold or manufactured by the company, where feasible, until long-term safety testing has shown that they are not harmful to humans, animals, and the environment; with the interim step of labeling and identifying these products that may contain these ingredients, and reporting to the shareholders by August 2000.
SUPPORTING STATEMENT
We believe that this technology involves significant social, economic, and environmental risks. Our company should take a leadership position in delaying market adoption of genetically engineered crops and foods. Failure to do so could leave our company financially liable, should detrimental effects to public health or the environment appear in the future.
** NOTICE: In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed for research and educational purposes only. **

Last Updated on 4/13/00
By Rachel C. Benbrook
Email: karen@biotech-info.net