GREENPEACE BLOCKS LARGEST GREEK GE-SOYA PROCESSING PLANT DEMANDING GE-FREE FOOD

22 August 2000

ATHENS -- Greenpeace today blocked the processing plant of Soya Hellas, the largest soy import and processing company in Greece, at Psahna - Evia (ca. 100 km north of Athens). Greenpeace climbers scaled a 30 metre high silo and hung a 200 square metre banner reading "Genetic Hazard" while other activists blocked facilities on the ground.

Soya Hellas has repeatedly refused to ensure ge-free supplies. The Federation of Greek Supermarket Owners has been asking their suppliers to provide them with GE-free supplies since 1998. Most of the importing and/or processing companies reacted positively and have supported the demand. Many major food suppliers and supermarket chains already guarantee GE-free food. However, consumers are still forcefed with genetically engineered food that gets into the Greek food supply "through the back door" as up to 80% of the soy is used in animal feed. Genetically engineered soy is fed to the animals that produce eggs, milk, meat etc. for Greek consumers.

Soya Hellas reacted negatively to the demand for a guaranteed GE-free food supply and are willing neither to ensure GE-free supplies nor to take any step in this direction. The company imports more than 100,000 tonnes of soy into Greece every year and this gets into the food chain without the public's knowledge. The company is therefore force-feeding consumers with GE food. The Greek public is clearly against the use of GE-products in their food.

"We are here to protest against the attitude of the company towards the environment and human health. We are here to demand GE-free supplies both for humans and animals. Not agreeing to provide GE-free supplies the company is force-feeding us with genetically engineered organisms, putting human health at stake" said Nikos Charalambides, campaign director of Greenpeace Greece.

New allergies, antibiotic resistant pathogens, new viruses, harm to non-target species and the creation of new pests are amongst the effects scientists suggest could occur through the release of genetically engineered organisms into the environment.

"We are ready to stay on the site as long as necessary to get the company to state publicly that it will ensure GE-free food. Direct action now is our last way to stop the release of GE-organisms into the environment and their use in our food.

Both consumers and a large section of the food industry are clearly against the use of GE-products. Importers and processors have to respect this. We do not want to be guinea pigs in the largest experiment ever to take place on our planet. We want 'GE-FREE FOOD NOW'”, Charalambides said.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

- Nikos Charalambides +30 944 67 77 79
- Stelios Psomas +30 1 3806 374-5

Visit Greenpeace's GE campaign website:
www.greenpeace.org/~geneng/gehome.htm