5400 People Demand a Ban on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) in Infant Food

Feature story - 19 May, 2006
Moscow/St Petersburg: On 13 and 14 of May 2006 Greenpeace Russia collected 5400 signatures for a collective appeal to President Vladimir Putin requesting a ban on GMO in infant food.

The Greenpeace anti GE action took place in the “Sokolniki” Park in Moscow.

The Greenpeace action took place in the "Sokolniki" Park in Moscow and in the Alexandrovski Park in St. Petersburg. 

The wish of parents to keep infant food free of GMO will result in producers voluntarily rejecting the use of GMO in their products. Nevertheless, it is practically impossible to rid the infant food market of GMO through the efforts of producers alone. Since GMO food has still not been proven safe, Greenpeace experts believe that only a state moratorium on the ban of GMO in infant food can protect our children.

A draft law is currently in development in Russia that could include such a ban. It is a specific law regulating the safety of infant food for children of different ages. The draft law will be publicly debated in June 2006, and will be submitted to the government by the end of the year.

The day before the draft's public debate in June, Greenpeace will appeal to President Putin to take all possible measures to include an article banning GMO in infant food.

Additional Information

Genetically modified soy, corn and potatoes are common ingredients in dairy products, preserves, porridges and biscuits for children. Children, especially those aged under four, are extremely sensitive to modified proteins.

According to scientific research, GMO contribute to a risk of allergies and cancer, promote immunity against antibiotics, and may cause chronic diseases.      

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