In the Spring 1997 issue of  "Abreast of Our Times", the newsletter from the
National Alliance for Breastfeeding Advocacy, appeared the report on
transgenic ingredients in formula. The New York Times, May 21, 1997
commissioned Genetic ID to test several products made from corn and soy for
genetically engineered ingredients. They found Carnation Alsoy, Similac
Neocare, Isomil, and Prosobee all contained transgenic components.

This is of great concern because of the possibility of introducing novel
toxins, allergies, and antibiotic resistant bacteria. Monsanto's Roundup
Ready Soybeans are engineered to resist Monsanto's herbicide, Roundup
(glyphosate). These soybeans contain gene sequences from a cauliflower mosaic
virus,a petunia, and a bacterium. To determine whether new genes have been
successfully incoporated into an organism, scientists link the desired gene
to a "marker" gene whose outward expression is obvious. The most commonly
used marker gene confers resistance to the antibiotic kanamycin. Organisms
which successfully undergo genetic engineering survive otherwise lethal doses
of this antibiotic. Many species of microorganisms are naturally adapted to
pick up on new genetic material that can result in the very rapid spread of
engineered traits, including antibiotic resistance.

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not require labeling of
genetically engineered foods. There is no way for parents to know if they are
buying formula with transgenic ingredients.

Scary stuff huh?