July 9, 2001 -- The highest United Nations food standards body agreed July 6, 2001, in Geneva, to create global guidelines to ensure the safety of genetically modified food. The 165
member-states of the Codex Alimentarius Commission have also concurred on guidelines for organic livestock production and for such environmental contaminants and food
toxins as lead, cadmium and aflatoxin.

The commission agreed in principle that the safety of food derived from genetically modified organisms (GMO) should be tested and approved by governments prior to
entering the market. In particular, GMO foods should be tested for their potential to cause allergic reactions.

The member states did not agree on whether labels stating that food contains genetically modified organisms should be mandatory. "We have to ensure consumers are not
deceived by what they buy," says Alan Randell, secretary of the Codex commission. "But we have also to ensure that a tracing system doesn't create extensive costs."

The commission also did not concur with a mandatory ban on the use of bone and meat meal in animal feed. It is believed contaminated feed prepared from animal carcasses
causes "mad cow disease." Randell said a commission task force hopes to have the draft guidelines ready when the body meets again in 2003.

"The work of the Codex commission on toxic substances is particularly important given the long-term health risks for consumers, especially children," Randell said. "For
example, lead is detrimental to the intellectual development of young children and the new standards adopted by the Commission definitely improve the current situation.
Nevertheless there is more work to do and the commission will continue to work on the issue."

The new maximum limit for aflatoxin in milk is 0.5 micrograms per kilogram. Aflatoxin is a carcinogenic substance that can be transmitted from animal feed (for example,
peanuts or corn) into milk. Some countries argued for a stricter aflatoxin limit of 0.05 micrograms per kilogram. However, the most countries agreed that the higher
limit was more feasible, particularly in developing countries. The commission agreed to review the standard once there is new scientific evidence on aflatoxin health risks.

"Given the amount of dairy products that are consumed worldwide - especially by children - it was crucial to set a global standard for aflatoxin," said Tom Billy, chairman of
the Codex commission.

According to new guidelines for organic livestock farming, producers should aim to use natural breeding methods, minimize stress in animals, prevent disease and
progressively eliminate the use of certain chemical veterinary drugs, including antibiotics. Animals should mainly be fed with high-quality organic feed, not meat and bone
meal, although fish and milk products are acceptable. The use of growth hormones is not permitted.

While Codex standards, guidelines and recommendations are voluntary, they are recognized by the World Trade Organization as reference points in international trade dispute
The Commission is a subsidiary of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization.

For more information, see the Codex Alimentarius or World Health Organization
Web sites.