FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2003
CONSUMERS UNION EXPERT AVAILABLE TO DISCUSS SAFETY OF CLONED FOOD ANIMALS
CU Research Associate Michael Hansen to testify at US Food and Drug Administration hearing Tuesday, November 4, 2003
WHY: The US Food and Drug Administration has scheduled a meeting of its Veterinary Medicine Advisory Committee (VMAC) to discuss its risk assessment of milk and meat from cloned animals. A summary risk assessment was released on October 31, 2003. The VMAC meeting will be held November 4, 2003, from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., with public testimony from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel, 1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852.
WHAT: CU is concerned that FDA has little or no data on which to base any judgment about safety of milk and meat from cloned animals. CU will discuss:
– Studies showing that over 95 percent of cloning attempts end in death of the fetus or young animal due to abnormalities.
– Studies showing immune deficiencies and tendencies toward obesity in cloned animals that could affect the safety and quality of milk and meat.
WHO: Michael Hansen, PhD, Research Associate, Consumers Union
HOW: For more information, or to set up interviews, contact:
Jean Halloran, (914) 378-2455.