Simply put, genetic engineering is the process of taking genes from one strain of plant, animal or virus and inserting them in another, with the goal of reproducing characteristics of the original species in the receiving species.

 
What are the potential risks of GEIs?

Genetically Engineered Foods have many unpredictable health effects, such as food allergies brought about by the introduction of new genes to any organism or plant. GEIs may also carry antibiotic resistant genes, which could reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics when taken with those foods, and also aggravate the already existing problem of antibiotic resistant organisms.

Strict vegetarian diets may be compromised since unknown animal genes may be inserted into fruits and vegetables.

Crops may initially require fewer herbicides and pesticides, but insects and weeds can adapt quickly. Ultimately, stronger, more potent weed control may be necessary requiring increased chemical applications.

Damage to the environment can result since new genetic information could cross into other related life forms, causing imbalances in the ecosystem.

 
Benefits of Genetically Engineered Ingredients may include:

• Increased yields of crops.
• Reduction in the use of pesticides and herbicides.
• Improved appearance of produce and extended shelf life.
• Higher nutritional content for fruits, vegetables and grains.

 
Labeling

Currently there are no regulations in place requiring companies to label their products as containing Genetically Engineered Ingredients. At Hain Pure Foods we believe the consumers have the right to be informed, and that's why we are labeling all our products as containing No-GEIs.

"More than 80% of consumers want to see genetically-engineered foods labeled as such." (Source: TIME Magazine, January 1999)

"Over 500,000 mothers have lobbied Congress to mandate the labeling of genetically engineered foods." (Source: Mothers for Natural Law)

 
BACKGROUND ON ORGANIC AND GEI-FREE

Organic means grown without potentially harmful herbicides or pesticides and confirmed by a third party certifier.

Non-GEI means the seed has not been genetically altered or grown near crops that were genetically altered.

While organic status also requires grown without Genetically Engineered seeds, crops could be affected by accidental cross-pollination from nearby farms using Genetically Engineered seeds.

To make the statement of No-Genetically Engineered Ingredients, manufacturers must set up strict purchasing specifications and undergo rigorous testing to ensure against accidental contamination.

To receive more information on The Hain Celestial Group's policy toward Genetically Engineered Ingredients, please write or call us.

Hain Pure Foods; Consumer Relations
The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.
4600 Sleepytime Dr.
Boulder, CO 80301

1-800-434-4246, Monday-Friday, 7am-5pm Mountain Time