Just Label It Responds to USDA’s Decision to Advance a Proposal to Deregulate the Use of Enlist Crops

Contact: Violet Batcha
(315) 262-5990, violet@justlabelit.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: AUGUST 6, 2014 

Washington, DC — The following is a statement from Just Label It’s Executive Director Scott Faber on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision to recommend the deregulation of a new type of genetically engineered crops that are able to withstand a proposed toxic pesticide mix, known as Enlist Duo:

“Just Label It is  extremely disappointed in the USDA for advancing a proposal to deregulate the use of new GE crops engineered to withstand the proposed pesticide Enlist Duo, a toxic mix of 2,4-D and glyphosate. 2,4-D has been linked to a wide range of health concerns, including Parkinson’s disease and non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Now, it’s up to EPA to reject the proposal to approve Enlist Duo for use use on these new crops. If approved, the new cropping system would dramatically increase the use of 2,4-D and put public health ahead of the demands of Dow. Today’s decision by USDA to ignore the public health needs of farmers and rural resident should serve as a reminder that American consumers have to no way to know whether their food is being produced in ways that increase the need for dangerous weed killers like 2, 4-D.  We urge the Administration to reject Dow’s application and to make good on the President’s 2007 pledge to give consumers the right to know whether their food contains genetically-engineered ingredients.”

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