GE FREE VICTORY! - Inghams and KFC Commit to GE FREE Policy

In a news item in the Waikato Times, chief executive Vicki Salmons stated that KFC is "committed" to continue using GE-free soy from Inghams Enterprises LTD "as long as world supply enabled it to". (See: http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/waikatotimes/0,2106,3136633a6579,00.html)

In a news item in the Waikato Times, chief executive Vicki Salmons stated that KFC is "committed" to continue using GE-free soy from Inghams Enterprises LTD "as long as world supply enabled it to". (See: http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/waikatotimes/0,2106,3136633a6579,00.html)

The Inghams website states in it's newly changed Genetic Engineering Policy:

"Inghams is committed to continuing to source non-GM ingredients for its poultry products. We will use our best endeavours to source non-GM ingredients for poultry feeds - such raw materials must meet our quality standards, be available in substantial quantities and be economically sustainable. Our policy also includes a commitment to our customers that they would always be advised before any changes to the above." http://www.inghams.co.nz/v2/default.asp?pageID=232

Due to pressure from Greenpeace (particularly their succesful campaign against McDonalds) and the continuing effort by the GE Free movement and the public, Inghams had temporarily sourced non-GE feed for it's chickens. Inghams had a history of importing GE soy feed for it's chickens.

More recently, Greenpeace, Auckland GenetiX Action and other grassroots groups throughout the country began a campaign against KFC who had recently switched to Ingham from Tegel (who has had a commitment to a GE Free policy for it's chicken feed for some time).

A succesful grassroots Day of Action around the country saw actions in Taupo, Rotorua, Timaru, Auckland, Hamilton, Huntly, Wellington, Christchurch and Australia at KFC outlets and Inghams Head Quarters (see http://www.stop-inghams-ge.org). In Auckland, Auckland GenetiX Action (AGA) held weekly noisy and fun demonstrations at KFC outlets around Auckland.

More recently an anonymous underground group called the 'Finger Stick'in Glue Crew' glued shut the locks of 10 KFC outlets causing thousands of dollars damage.

Inghams commitment to continuing sourcing GE Free feed is a success for activists, all New Zealanders, our environment, the rights of animals and the countries where GE Soy would have been sourced.

Constant pressure from the public works and the pressure must continue. It is only due to the efforts of people like yourselves that protect the rights of individuals, animals and the environment from the interests of profit and multi-nationals. We must continue to RECLAIM THE COMMONS!

The campaign against Genetic Engineering will continue and not stop until Aotearoa is GE FREE FOREVER! Activists and concerned citizens will soon meet in Rotorua for the weekend of January 29-31, 2005 against the GE TREES field trial at the Forest & Research Institute. Everyone is welcome. (See: http://www.pmea.org.nz/pmea/?Stop_GE_Trees)

See you there.

Bobo, member of Auckland GenetiX Action (AGA) (aga@agean.org)

(Please note that the views held within this post are the authors own. The views here are not necessarily those of Greenpeace or Auckland GenetiX Action or other GE Free groups.)

Related

http://www.stop-inghams-ge.org

http://www.pmea.org.nz