Statement Re: Resolution Labeling Genetically Engineered Products

Mr. Chair, Members of the Board and Shareholders,

I am Everard Rutledge representing Bon Secours Health System, the Sinsinawa Dominicans, the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Episcopal Church, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Philadelphia, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield and the Camilla Madden Charitable Trust, all proponents of Proposal 4, to Label Genetically Engineered Food.

In submitting this proposal, we are advocating for the consumer right to know and for protection of the company.

There is a long history of labeling foods in the United States. Labeling is commonplace.

• Labeling Informs concerned consumers
• Labeling reduces liability
• Labeling protects consumers’ right to know

Millions of people have allergies to certain foods. Genetic engineering may increase the risk that they will accidentally consume foods that contain allergens.

The Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry reported late in 2005 on an Australian study of transgenic peas, which showed that:

• we can no longer be sure that genetic engineering between closely related organisms is safe;
• non-allergenic plants can be combined to form allergenic hybrids;
• the genetic engineering process, not merely the transferred proteins, can result in an allergic reaction.

Genetically engineered foods currently on the market have NOT been screened for allergens as rigorously as the Australian pea study. Thus, only labeling will allow for post-marketing surveillance to verify pre-market screening for unanticipated adverse health consequences from the consumption of GE food.

Persons with high food sensitivity depend on labeling to help avoid allergic reactions. The only protection McDonald’s has against a potential allergic reaction to a product of genetic engineering is full transparency, i.e. labeling.

As an international company McDonald’s must have capacity for meeting labeling requirements of genetically engineered foods. In March of this year, 132 countries agreed to rules on the international trade in products containing genetically engineered organisms. Those rulings include labeling.

We know that McDonald’s will meet those international requirements for labeling. We know that McDonald’s will know. Will McDonald’s customers?

Only labeling will fully inform consumers and protect the company.

Vote for improved shareholder value. Vote for the proposal to Label Genetically Engineered Products.