USDA Extends Review of 2,4-D Corn

Just Label It applauded the USDA’s recent decision to extend its review of the proposed “Enlist” corn, a genetically engineered crop developed by biotech companies Dow and Monsanto. Last summer, more than 35,000 Just Label It supporters wrote letters to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, urging the USDA to reject approval of the “Enlist” crop, citing potential environmental and health dangers.

The proposed herbicide-resistant crop would combine weed-killers glyphosate and 2,4-D, a controversial ingredient used in Vietnam War defoliant, Agent Orange.  All in the name of profit from selling seeds, pesticides, and herbicides to farmers, these greedy companies want to rush untested and unproven crops from their factories to our dinner tables. In particular, 2,4-D corn requires large quantities of 2,4-D herbicide to be applied to farm fields. The drifting of 2,4-D has been linked to major human health problems such as cancer, liver dysfunction, and Parkinson’s disease.

“The USDA’s decision to conduct further review of 2,4-D corn is extremely important step in the regulatory process, brought about by strong consumer concern,” said Scott Faber, Executive Director of Just Label It. “The truth is, we just don’t yet know the full impact of these crops on both the environment and our health.  Until we do, these crops should not enter the marketplace.”

Although we might not all agree on the science concerning the long-term effects of eating genetically engineered foods, we should be able to decide for ourselves whether to feed them to our families. Unfortunately, if this new corn were to be approved, we wouldn’t be able to make that choice since genetically engineered foods aren’t labeled.

We commend the USDA on its decision to conduct proper review of this GE crop, and urge them to continue with proper regulatory framework in the future.  Our government processes must be open, transparent, and honest in order to protect our families and our children. In addition, we urge our leaders in Washington to listen to the more than 90% of Americans who support labeling of all genetically engineered foods.