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Poison Food, Occupy Monsanto, and Organic Corruption
Ronnie Cummins Organic Consumers Association
Beware of Agent Orange Burgers
Dioxin, a chemical component of the herbicide Agent Orange, is perhaps the most toxic compound synthesized by man. Yet it is still being produced by chemical companies and pesticide manufacturers such as Monsanto, AND dioxin pollution increased 10% in 2010.
Now, as the Environmental Protection Agency is set to release the first part of the dioxin risk assessment it's been working on since 1985, food industry lobbyists are attempting to block EPA action yet again. Why? The EPA is likely to confirm what the FDA has reported:
"Although dioxins are environmental contaminants, most dioxin exposure occurs through the diet, with over 95% coming through dietary intake of animal fats."
The food industry doesn't want you to know that you can easily exceed the daily dioxin limit proposed by the EPA by consuming a single large meal of non-organic animal products. Most of all, the food industry doesn't want to have to take responsibility for the dioxin contamination. If they did, they would have to submit to common-sense food safety measures, like those embraced by the organic industry, that ban toxic pesticides and slaughterhouse waste from animal feed.
Tell the EPA to release its report on schedule and to not bow down to food industry lobbyists who don't want us to know what we're eating. Then watch this NutritionFacts.org video to learn which foods are most likely to contain dioxin.
And, if you haven't already, please take action on our "Stop Agent Orange Frankencorn" campaign to stop the new generation of genetically engineered crops designed to withstand being drenched with 2,4-D, the 7th-largest source of dioxin pollution in the US.
Cornucopia Institute Slams Industry and USDA for Violating Organic Standards
The Cornucopia Institute announced it has formally requested the USDA's Office of Inspector General (OIG) to investigate corruption at its National Organic Program (NOP). The NOP is accused of corruption resulting in the use of illegal synthetics in organic food and then allowing powerful corporations to "game the system" for approval "after the fact."
Support the OCA and the OCF
The nationwide food fight for safe food and sustainability is escalating.
In 2012, whether we're talking about getting antibiotics out of animal feed or labeling GMOs, we're fighting harder than ever. With the 2012 California ballot initiative, and GMO labeling legislation gaining momentum in Vermont, Washington, Connecticut and other states, we have a real chance to hit Monsanto with the skull and crossbones they fear so much - mandatory labels on genetically engineered food. We also plan to step up our efforts to strengthen organic standards and significantly expand the market for organic food and products, especially those produced locally and regionally.
Please be as generous as you can during our January and February fundraising drive.
Donate to the Organic Consumers Association (tax-deductible)
Donate to the Organic Consumers Fund (non-tax-deductible, but necessary for our efforts in California)
Organic Consumers Association Occupies Monsanto Headquarters
Shareholders of Monsanto stocks gathered at the headquarters of the world's largest biotech company in St. Louis on Tuesday.
Activist Adam Eidinger, an OCA member representing Harrington Investments (a socially responsible investor's group), got inside the meeting to speak in favor of a shareholders' resolution which would have studied the "material financial risks or operational impacts associated with its (Monsanto's) chemical products and genetically modified organisms." Outside the meeting a crowd of OCA demonstrators gathered in protest. As expected, the resolution was voted down, but the message that Monsanto will someday have to pay for its crimes was heard loud and clear.
New Movie Queen of the Sun Wonders: What Are the Bees Telling Us?
From the director of The Real Dirt on Farmer John comes the new documentary Queen of the Sun, a profound and disturbing look at the global bee crisis. Taking us on a journey through the catastrophic disappearance of bees and the mysterious world of the beehive, this film weaves an unusual and dramatic story of the struggles of biodynamic & organic beekeepers, scientists and philosophers from around the world. Engaging and ultimately uplifting, Queen of the Sun features Michael Pollan, Vandana Shiva, Raj Patel, Jeffrey Smith and Gunther Hauk.
Attention Programmers!
The Organic Consumers Association is seeking a qualified individual or organization interested in consulting, assisting, and potentially managing a transition to a new content management system for our website. Knowledge of CFM & PHP, as well as systems such as Drupal, Mura, Expression Engine, etc., could be of great benefit to our mission.
Please send an email to tech [AT] organicconsumers.org and include detailed information outlining your expertise as well as references.
Little Bytes: Top Stories of the Week
Monsanto: 'There is No Need for, or Value in Testing the Safety of GM Foods in Humans'
Warning: Medical Experts Are Now Working for Drug Companies
The Uphill Battle Against Citizens United and Corporate Personhood
The Scientist: Jim Hansen Risks Handcuffs to Make His Research Clear
Drinking Toxic Fruit Juices May Lead to Arsenic Poisoning
Sponsored Message
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Eden Foods is one of the few national organic food producers who goes beyond the USDA Organic Standards. Although Eden Foods is USDA certified, their products do not bear the USDA seal, because they say the USDA standard really represents a "minimum standard" that Eden Foods goes far beyond.
As a subscriber to Organic Bytes, you can enjoy a 15% discount rate on any Eden Foods products by going here.
ronniecummins@organicconsumers.org