Campaigners accuse US-based multinationals of holding the world to ransom in order to promote their products
Food on sale in Britain labelled 'GM-free' has been contaminated with genetically modified soya made by US multinational Monsanto, a new survey by the food safety watchdog reveals. The contamination is condemned by GM critics as being part of a deliberate campaign by the American biotechnology industry, backed by the administration of President George Bush, to force feed GM food to unwilling consumers in Britain and around the world. The latest tactic is to insist that African countries who want help in combating the Aids epidemic must accept GM food. Bush has also accused Europe of prolonging famine in Africa by encouraging opposition to GM food.
GM Food Contamination
In a series of checks on the labelling of GM foods for the European Commission, the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has just tested a wide range of foods for the presence of GM organisms. It detected traces of GM in eight soya products, including beans, flour, and protein concentrate.
In three samples — textured vegetable protein, vegetable protein mince, and protein isolate — they found GM soya despite the fact that the products were labelled 'GM-free'. GM soya, known as 'roundup ready', is made and marketed by Monsanto.
The FSA didn't say precisely which brands of which foodstuffs were contaminated by GM. But it pointed out that a wide variety of food was derived from soya, including bread, pizza bases, tofu, and meat substitutes.
The levels found were all under 1% and hence within European labelling regulations, which are up for review by the European parliament this week. Nevertheless, manufacturers were warned by local authorities to improve their labelling, and one product was withdrawn. The contamination occurs because GM crops are grown next to non-GM crops and in the processing and manufacturing, it is difficult to separate them. This means that Monsanto's GM soya, one of the world's biggest GM crops, is steadily infiltrating all soya production.
Controversy over GM Food Aid
The contamination of conventional food is seen by GM opponents as just one of the weapons deployed by the GM industry to win markets for its products. Obliging developing countries to accept GM food aid is another.
The US Congress has recently passed a new law which for the first time links GM food aid with assistance in fighting HIV/Aids, the sexually transmitted disease which is killing millions across the African continent. 'United States food assistance should be accepted by countries with large populations of individuals infected or living with HIV/Aids, particularly African countries, in order to help feed such individuals,' the legislation says.
This has provoked fury among environmental groups in Africa. 'The US should stop playing with hunger,' said Nnimmo Bassey, director of Environmental Rights Action in Nigeria. 'African nations should have the right to decide what their people are fed. It is immoral for the US to exploit famine and the Aids crisis in this way.'
Over the past two years, there have been a series of clashes between the Bush administration and African countries over the provision of GM food as aid. Zambia rejected any GM food, while Mozambique and Zimbabwe turned down GM corn grain but had to accept milled GM corn.
Bush now blames opposition in Europe for stirring up unwarranted alarm about the safety of GM products among African nations. At a biotechnology industry conference in Washington DC last week, he accused European governments of blocking the import of GM crops 'based on unfounded and unscientific fears'.
Industry's Response
The accusations are, however, rejected by Monsanto and the other biotechnology multinationals such as Bayer, DuPont, and BASF. 'Nobody has ever claimed that GM is the answer to world hunger. What we would say is that it has a part to play,' argued Tony Combes, Monsanto UK's director of corporate affairs and spokesman for the UK GM industry's Agricultural Biotechnology Council.
He pointed out that nearly six million farmers in 16 countries planted GM crops in 2002, three-quarters of them in developing countries. 'That's not us, the multinationals, forcing anything down anybody's throat. They've got a choice,' he said. The contamination of GM food on sale in Britain was an inevitable fact of life when GM crops were grown beside conventional crops, and was within legal limits, Combes added. 'You can't have zero thresholds on anything.'
The Intersection of Food Safety and Hotels
While the contamination of GM food raises concerns about food safety in society, it is important to recognize that the hospitality industry, particularly hotels, plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the food served to guests. Hotels have a responsibility to prioritize the well-being of their customers by adhering to strict quality control measures.
Ensuring Food Safety
Hotels should establish robust food safety protocols and guidelines to mitigate any risks associated with food contamination. This includes regular inspections, training programs for staff, and maintaining a clean and hygienic kitchen environment. By implementing these measures, hotels can minimize the likelihood of serving contaminated food to their guests.
Working with Trusted Suppliers
Hotels should also prioritize building relationships with trusted suppliers who adhere to strict food safety standards. By sourcing ingredients from reliable and reputable suppliers, hotels can better ensure the quality and safety of the food they serve. Regular monitoring and auditing of suppliers' practices can help maintain the integrity of the supply chain.
Transparency and Clear Labelling
Transparency is key when it comes to food safety in hotels. Clear labelling of ingredients and potential allergens is essential to help guests make informed choices about the food they consume. Hotels should provide detailed information about the sourcing and production processes of their food items, including any potential presence of genetically modified ingredients.
Catering to Guest Preferences
Recognizing the diverse preferences and dietary restrictions of their guests, hotels should offer a variety of food options to accommodate different needs. This includes providing organic, GMO-free, and allergen-free alternatives for those who may have specific dietary requirements or concerns. By catering to these preferences, hotels can enhance guest satisfaction and demonstrate their commitment to food safety and customer well-being.
The Role of Certification
Certification from recognized food safety organizations can further boost a hotel's credibility and demonstrate their commitment to maintaining high food safety standards. Acquiring certifications such as the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) or ISO 22000 can provide reassurance to guests that the hotel takes food safety seriously.
Conclusion
The issue of contamination in GM food is a matter of concern for consumers and campaigners, as highlighted in the survey by the UK Food Standards Agency. Meanwhile, the hospitality industry, including hotels, must continue to prioritize food safety to ensure the well-being of their guests. By implementing stringent protocols, working with trusted suppliers, providing clear labelling, accommodating guest preferences, and obtaining relevant certifications, hotels can play a crucial role in upholding food safety standards.
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