WASHINGTON -- December 13 -- TELEPHONE PRESS CONFERENCE

Food crops genetically engineered to produce vaccines, hormones, and other substances may be an effective way to provide large quantities of medicines at a lower cost than is currently possible. But could farm-grown pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals inadvertently end up in breakfast cereals, taco shells, and other food products? At a telephone press conference at noon EST/9 am PST on Wednesday, December 15, the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) will release a major new report by top university researchers that evaluates the potential for contamination from these so-called "pharmaceutical crops."

The new research represents the first systematic analysis by agricultural experts documenting the magnitude of the challenge of protecting the food supply from contamination by these crops. Scientists from UCS will discuss the panel's findings and recommend important steps to protect the food supply.

WHAT:
Teleconference to release new research on genetically engineered "pharmaceutical crops" and the food supply

WHEN:
Noon EST/9 am PST, Wednesday, December 15, 2004

WHO:
Dr. Margaret Mellon, Director, Food and Environment Program, Union of Concerned Scientists

Dr. David Andow, Editor of new expert report and Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Minnesota

Dr. Jane Rissler, Deputy Director, Food and Environment Program, Union of Concerned Scientists

PHONE #:
Domestic: 1-866-793-1307
International: 1-703-639-1309

PASSCODE: A growing concern - Union of Concerned Scientists

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