MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 15, 1999

Canadians Give Loblaws Their Christmas Wishlist: No More Genetically Engineered Food

(TORONTO) Representatives of the Council of Canadians today delivered over 15,000 postcards to the offices of Loblaws chairman Galen Weston, calling on the head of the country's largest food retailer to remove genetically engineered foods from the company's store shelves.

"The best Christmas present Mr. Weston could give his customers is a commitment to phase out genetically engineered foods and ingredients from his stores," said Jennifer Story, Health Protection Campaigner for the Council of Canadians.

"So far, Loblaws has ignored our calls. Meanwhile, across the country, concern over genetically engineered foods in Canada is mounting. We can't wait for the government to fix the damage. That's why we're calling on the food industry to take the lead to protect our health and the environment, and get these foods off the shelves until they are proven safe."

Two weeks ago, the food manufacturing giant McCain announced it would stop using genetically engineered potatoes in its products.

The Council has twice requested a meeting with Loblaws, in September and again in October, but has so far received no response.