GMO Halloween Candy: A Pesticide-Laden Horror
With Halloween coming, every parent wonders what sugary treats their kids will find in their trick-or-treat bags. But did you know that sugar from genetically modified (GMO) beets is now in widespread use, despite worldwide scientific concern about the potential health and environmental hazards that GMO crops may create?
The new sugar beets, made by the chemical/biotech giant Monsanto, are resistant to Monsanto's "Roundup" herbicide and are sold along with the herbicide -- meaning higher sales for Monsanto and ultimately more pesticides used on the beets grown for our kids' candies.
Last month, in a stunning setback for the biotech industry, a federal court ruled that genetically modified (GMO) sugar beets should never have been approved for introduction into the food supply. Despite the court's finding, the leading U.S. candy makers Hershey's and Mars have refused to commit to avoiding sugar from GMO beets.
Halloween candy shouldn't be a horror for kids. Tell Hershey's and Mars to end their use of GMO sugar!
Note: This petition will be faxed to the CEOs of Hershey's and Mars
Dear Hershey's and Mars CEOs,
As Halloween approaches, I am shocked to learn that your company is experimenting on our children! As you know, a federal judge recently ruled that the GMO beets should not have been approved for planting, yet the sugar from these experimental beets has been in the food supply since 2008.
Hershey's and Mars promise to produce safe, natural candy for our children. But these herbicide-resistant GMO beets encourage the use of more pesticides. Without a commitment to avoiding sugar from GMO beets, I cannot trust your company's products. I will not be buying your candies this Halloween season and I will continue to avoid your products until your company takes a stand against GMOs in your food.
[Your comments here]
I urge you to make an immediate commitment to avoid GMO sugar by publicly stating that you will preferentially purchase sugar produced from natural, non-GMO beets.
