foodwatch fights for consumers' rights
17.09.2009
foodwatch is a non-profit and independent organisation that draws public attention to practices in the food industry that are not in the interests of consumers. foodwatch fights for the right of consumers to enjoy uncontaminated and healthy food. We are fed up with being fed off.
What's the problem?
What we eat is no longer something we decide on ourselves. The food industry, lobbyists and politicians have control over what will end up on our plates and what we are allowed to know about our food. This has to stop!
Why is it like this?
For several reasons - it's worth it to the food industry,
authorities stand back and watch, and consumers still don't defend
themselves enough. We won't know the truth about the food on our plates
until we as consumers unite and fight for our rights.
What does foodwatch want to do?- Consumers must have the last word about food. We have to know what is in our food so we can consciously decide what to put on our plates.
- Laws protect the industry more than they do consumers. This has to change. The industry must not be allowed to expose consumers to risk and go
- We should look beyond our own noses when we're eating. It's wrong that biofuel for our cars is driving up the price of food all over the world, and that many people in Germany can't afford to eat a balanced diet.
- Consumers must unite and stand up for good and safe food. If we don't defend ourselves, the food industry will stay in the stronger position. foodwatch was founded in 2002 for this reason.
How does foodwatch work?- foodwatch makes things clear: we do independent research and analysis, we tell the public which food products contain toxins, and we name the parties responsible.
- foodwatch interferes: we say what's wrong and don't mince our words to the public and the media.
- foodwatch puts on pressure: we mobilise consumer-protest activities and take offenders to court on behalf of consumers.
- foodwatch is political: we propose changes in the law in areas where no one else seems to care, and we exert pressure to change policies.
- foodwatch is independent: we don't accept any funds from government sources or the food industry. We are completely funded by membership fees and donations from our 15.000 supporters.
 |
Information in English |
- Organic: A Climate Saviour?
 foodwatch commissioned the Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW) to examine the respective contribution of conventional and organic agriculture in Germany to the greenhouse effect. The results show that considerable amounts of greenhouse gases can be avoided in the agricultural sector. Consequently, agriculture must finally become part of climate change policy in Germany and at EU level.
- A critical look at Golden Rice
 Golden Rice is genetically modified so that it generates carotenoids which the human body synthesizes into vitamin A. This variety of rice is supposed to combat vitamin A deficiency in developing countries. Current research has shown that most questions about the quality and safety of this product are unanswered even today.
- Canadian farmer: "Coexistence is not possible."
 The Canadian farmer Percy Schmeiser was sued by the agricultural company Monsanto for illegaly using genetically manipulated rapeseed. Schmeiser fights back by claiming that pollen of bordering fields contaminated his fields.
|
