ED HAYES

I just received a message from one of my Senators, Richard Durbin, in response to the letter I sent him.

Richard’s Response:

Dear Mr. Hayes:

Thank you for contacting me regarding genetically modified organisms (GMOs). I appreciate hearing from you and share your concerns.

Proponents of GMOs argue that these products have the potential to increase the nutritional benefits of agricultural products while reducing the amount of environmentally harmful pesticides applied to the crop. Many farmers support the use of GMOs because they increase the per acreage yield for crops such as corn and soybeans and reduce the costs of farming by reducing the amount of pesticide used. Others are concerned about the increasing use of GMOs because of the possibility that they may pose a dangerous and unknown long-term threat to public health and the environment.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates foods and food ingredients developed by genetic engineering using the same rules it applies to other food products. As the number of genetically modified foods increases, additional steps may be warranted to ensure that these products are regulated properly.

I recently introduced the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act. My bill would provide the FDA with the authority and resources the agency needs to prevent, detect, and respond to food-borne illness. The legislation also would require that all high-risk foods imported into the United States be certified as meeting U.S. food safety standards. These improvements will protect public health and increase consumer confidence in our food supply.

Food safety is a high priority and should include steps to address any uncertainties surrounding genetically modified foods. I will continue to support efforts designed to modernize our food safety system and ensure our foods meet the highest safety standards.

Thank you again for contacting me. Please feel free to keep in touch.

Sincerely,

Richard J. Durbin
United States Senator
RJD/th

From what Richard mentioned, I do not think he got the point of the letter I sent him. It appears as though he didn’t read what I wrote him, as he did not respond directly to any of my concerns. The response he did write suggest that Monsanto is in his pocket. Actually it not only sounds like it, I found PROOF that Richard J. Durbin has accepted financial contributions from Monsanto. Not as much as I would have expected, but still a conflict of interest if you ask me.

I like how Illinois corporations, including Monsanto, address my senator as “Honorable“, maybe I would get more attention if I did the same.

Fortunately, The Honorable Richard Durbin has introduced the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act. The supports of the bill included associates that Monsanto is not on, from the four I could check (Grocery Manufacturers Association, American Frozen Food Institute, United Fresh Produce Association [board, could not access all members], and National Fisheries Institute). BUT that bill is mostly about food recalls NOT GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms). Why create a new bill instead of support one that already exists (Kevin’s Law)?

Most of my concerns relate to Monsanto and its ties to the FDA. Michael Taylor, a former Monsanto Lawyer, is very involved in the FDA. Why is Obama continuing this conflict of interest?

Please see my post on The World According to Monsanto.