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Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sun, 7 May 2000 11:37:16 +0100
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>Hey all breastfeeding supporters, "How about discussing the genetic
>engineering of formula?''  This to me is big-time news.  Why would any mother
>want to expose her infants to something that hasn't been tested for any
>length of time?


But no types of formula have been tested for any length of time -
genetically-modified ingredients are just one more untested
ingredient in the mix.

The debate about GM foods has been high profile in the UK for a few
years now. Currently, our legislation is not very tight on this.
Consumers do not have to be informed of the inclusion  of GM
ingredients, and that of course encompasses formula.

In June 99, Practising Midwife had an article by Tessa Martyn which
reported Baby Milk Action research into this. The ingredient in
question is soya, used in soya formula, or soya lecithin, used in
cow's milk formula.

Heinz/Farleys said none of their formulas had GM ingredients
Numico ditto
Sainsbury's ditto
Boot's ditto
Babynat ditto
MJ failed to return calls
SMA/Wyeth - formula with expiry date after Jan 2002 is GM-free


>Numico, Wyeth, Maarbarot and Novartis use this oils in term
>and pre-term formula.


Now that means either they erred in telling Baby Milk Action they did
not use these ingredients, or they have begun to do so since they
were asked.

>   Abbott and Martek have just signed a non-exclusive
>licensing agreement.  Currently the FDA is trying to decide whether to give
>these oils GRAS status in the US.  But all of you in Europe, Asia, Africa,
>and Australia already have it. Martek received a Small Business Innovation
>Research Grant from the US government which gives the US government certain
>rights in the technology developed.


Martek are the proprietary manufacturers of long-chain fatty acids
which can be added to formula to make it more like breastmilk <gag> .
I gather these fatty acids are from algae - I know of no assurances
that this isn't genetically-modified, but I suppose it could well be.

I really don't kow that knowing any of this helps mothers realise
just how far away from breastmilk formula can get.  Formula is seen
as a bengign product. It could even help promote GM foods - after
all, if GM ingredients are 'allowed' in  'baby milk' (another gag
word) then they must be safe  : -P

Heather Welford Neil
NCT bfc Newcastle upon Tyne UK

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