<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

Dear Friends,

Here is the Summary on the Bioengineered Foods and Celiac Awareness meeting
Feb. 24 at Caltech, sponsored by CDF - Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena
Connections Group.  Pasadena (CA) Wild Oats provided free gluten-free foods,
and is a stand-out, and nearly stand-alone, market promoting education on
gmo-free foods.  Let them know you appreciate what they are doing, and tell
them you support them. Ask them for a copy of Genetically Engineered Foods -
Are They Safe? (Scientists explain health and environmental risks.)

Here's an example of what Marshall Crostowski cautioned:

Question #1:  Are biogeneticists working to reduce or eliminate gluten
proteins adversely affecting celiac suffers?

Short Answer: Glutens are mainly found in wheat and the related cereals
barley, rye and triticale and are important components not only in baked
goods but also in a large number of processed food, medicines and cosmetics.
Most of the current genetic modifications are to increase the quantity and
quality of gluten and to introduce wheat gluten genes into other crops such
as barley, maize, sorghum, tobacco, and perhaps rice.  There may be some
research in Europe toward eliminating or neutralizing wheat gluten or the
body's immunological reaction to it.

Gluten Biotech Watch recommends when you e-mail food companies asking about
ingredients, tell them you don't want gmo foods, and ask them to go (and
label) gmo/gluten-free!  Groups and individuals can support companies that
do, boycott companies that don't. Make some noise! To help, E-mail GBW at
[log in to unmask] (we DO have a sense of humor!). Robert Jeffers, Ph.D.,
and Marshall Crostowski will lead GBW to monitor gmo/gluten research.

Although celiacs, and people with allergies, may be late in entry, we are
mighty!  Find speakers on the topic of bioengineered foods for your support
groups. Start by asking at your nearest Wild Oats.


TALKING POINTS: BIOTECHNOLOGY AND CELIAC DISEASE by Marshall Chrostowski,
Santa Barbara, CA, [log in to unmask]

Question #2:  What is biotechnology?

Short Answer: Biotechnology is a set of scientific tools and principles
designed to alter living material at the molecular-genetic level by
recombining DNA fragments of genes to create organisms with altered,
predictable properties.  Organisms that receive genetic material from an
unrelated organism are said to be transgenic and are referred to as
genetically modified organisms (gmos).

Question #3:  Is food grown from gmos safe to eat?

Short Answer: The answer has several parts. a) Scientists cannot yet
assure us that gm food is totally safe to eat because such foodstuffs
have not been tested using scientifically acceptable procedures over
sufficient time. b) Caution is recommended because of theoretical issues
related to creation of novel large proteins and associated biochemicals
that are often associated with food allergenicities. c) Potential
problems may arise from the introduction of exotic genes from viruses
and bacteria not commonly part of the human diet, especially those genes
producing toxins against crop pests and diseases. d) The potential
adverse effects of synergy between gmos and traditional foods and
medicines must be carefully considered by anyone with allergies and
autoimmune issues. e) The Precautionary Principle should apply in
relation to these gmos because it should be the responsibility of the
biotechnological industry to demonstrate safety to humans and the
environment prior to public acceptance and distribution.

Question #4:  Should a sufferer of food intolerances be concerned with
the genetic modification of other foodstuffs?

Short Answer: Scientific studies are confirming unforeseen increases in the
allergenicity of some gm foods and some instances of reduced food values in
altered crops. Most media reports, however, are anecdotal and should not be
accepted as proof.  Just remember that children are most susceptible to
increased allergens. So, be forewarned.

Question #5:  Should folks with food intolerances and compromised immune
systems be concerned about other trends in food production?

Short Answer: Current research is directed at introducing genetic
materials into conventional crops to produce pharmaceuticals and
industrial components.  Of more immediate concern are the numerous
environmental estrogens (called endocrine disrupters) let loose on the
population in the form of pesticides and other industrial products.  Gmo
research and development employs additional estrogens as regulators of
transgenic changes.  So there is the potential danger of estrogen
overload on children in pre puberty.

Action #l:  Demand responsible labeling of food and medicines as GLUTEN FREE,
not only processed food but also materials added post-harvest to "fresh"
food.

Action #2:  Demand that genetically modified organisms and products be
withdrawn from circulation and a rigorous, scientific evaluation of
these materials be completed before any possible reintroduction.

Action #3:  In the interim demand immediate labeling as GMO of all
products containing genetically modified ingredients to allow the
consumer to make informed choices.

Action #4:  Demand from your local markets the opportunity to buy certified
organic food, and that markets list what fruit and vegetables have been
treated with waxes, fungicides and other post-harvest protective materials.

Action #5:  Demand from the medical establishment greater awareness of and
responsiveness to celiac and related diseases and syndromes and more
aggressive research and development projects aimed at alleviating acute and
chronic suffering by our impacted population.