US Activists File Legal Petition Against GE Fish

MEDIA ADVISORY FOR
Wednesday, May 9, 2001
Contact:
Amanda Gordon, 202-887-8831
Matt Rand, 202-887-8841

PRESS CONFERENCE: Wednesday, May 9, 2001 --
Genetically Engineered Foods

Consumer and Environmental Groups to File Petition with FDA
for Stringent Regulation of Genetically Engineered Fish

Washington - On Wednesday, May 9, over 60 consumer and environmental
groups, along with fishing companies and fishermen, will file legal petitions to the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA) and other government agencies demanding a moratorium on the domestic
marketing and importation of genetically engineered fish until FDA adequately
addresses the impacts to the environment and human food safety.

Currently, there are several companies developing genetically engineered
fish, and at least one company that is presently requesting approval from
the FDA to market genetically engineered fish to consumers. FDA is
considering allowing sales of genetically engineered fish to fish-farming
operations and consumers, making them the first genetically engineered
animals to land on consumer's dinner plates.

Speakers will discuss the petition, the loopholes within the existing
regulatory framework, pending legislative initiatives on genetically
engineered fish and environmental and public health risks associated with
genetically engineering fish.

Who:
* Congressman Peter DeFazio, D - Oregon
* Congressman Dennis Kucinich, D - Ohio
* Eric Hallerman, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences,
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
* Zeke Grader, executive director, Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen's
Associations
* Andrew Kimbrell, president, Center for Food Safety
* Matt Rand, biotechnology campaign manager, National Environmental Trust
Where: Resources Committee Room, 1334 Longworth House Office Building
(Independence and New Jersey Aves., SE)
When: Wednesday, May 9, 2001, 12:30pm EDT