Bayer Bluffs on its Experiments with Genetically Modified ‘Poison Food’ at the End of Day Long Direct Action by Greenpeace

Feature story - October 1, 2004

MUMBAI, India — 11 hours after six Greenpeace activists chained themselves to the gates of Bayer Crop Science headquarters in Mumbai yesterday, demanding information on Bayer’s recent dangerous experiments with the infamous CRY 9C gene on popular food crops like cabbage and cauliflower, the company responded with a statement that contradicts itself even as it spins further untruths.

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Greenpeace activists chain themselves to Bayer headquarters in Mumbai, demanding answers to critical questions on GM crops and food safety - 10:45am

"The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has published an article in Current Science , stating that Pro Agro (a wholly owned subsidiary of Bayer) has conducted field trials of cabbage and cauliflower genetically modified with the Cry9C gene , a potential human allergen" said Divya Raghunandan, Greenpeace campaigner "We are concerned about the implications of these dangerous trials on consumers and farmers who will grow these crops, and Greenpeace is demanding that the company immediately stop all trials and make all information related to any past trials open to public scrutiny."

"The apathy and indifference of this company is unbelievable!" said Divya Raghunandan, GE Campaigner, Greenpeace India, "They took 11 hours to eventually respond with half-truths and a logically inconsistent statement. This statement only vindicates our stand that we are dealing with an irresponsible corporation with many skeletons to hide."

The official response from Bayer first states that it "has never done trials involving Cry9C" and then states, "These trials were conducted in a contained environment and were harvested well before flowering."

The activists, who had earlier unfurled banners proclaiming 'Bayer poisons our food' eventually unchained themselves after securing an appointment for Wednesday 6th October, a written statement of the company's stand, and an assurance that their questions would be answered. Although they ended the protest, they did so only after unfurling another banner stating 'Bayer is a Liar', in response to the statement issued by the company. "

This Cry9C-laced corn, interestingly, was owned by Aventis Crop Science (later acquired by Bayer), who marketed it under the brand name StarLink for animal feed and industrial purposes. However in September 2000, StarLink was found in corn taco shells and other foods and the company was forced withdraw all products around the world from the markets .

"Bayer is a repeat offender as far as poisoning our food goes," said Doreen Stabinsky, Scientific Advisor, Greenpeace International, "Greenpeace has already exposed their double standards with relation to the production and sale of Class I pesticides that they have discontinued in their home country; Bayer is again trying to poison Indians, by using a gene that's been shown to be unsafe in the rest of the world and banned in the US for human consumption."

For further information, photos and video news releases, contact:

Divya Raghunandan, GE Campaigner, Greenpeace India: +919845535406,