Look Out for Genetically Engineered Sugar Beets

July 2008

Over half of the sugar in processed foods comes from beet sugar, a crop grown in western Nebraska. In December 1998 the UDSA approved Monsanto's first patent for GE sugar beets for commercial planting and sale, but major candy makers rejected using this sugar due to consumer pressure. A newer version is on its way and commercial food processors are no longer promising to avoid it. Roundup Ready sugar beets, genetically engineered to withstand applications of the herbicide glyphosate made by Monsanto, will likely be entering the food supply in the coming months. Consumers will not be able to identify whether their foods are sweetened with GE sugar.

There are many potential risks associated with genetic engineering. Data shows the emergence of the trend to more frequent application of more toxic and persistent use of herbicides over time to maintain weed control. A coalition of farmers, consumer advocates and environmental groups filed suit in federal court this past January to challenge the deregulation of Roundup Ready beets.

Organic farmers and seed producers have more concerns. Since beets are wind-pollinated and the most of the U.S. sugar beets are produced in the Willamette Valley in Oregon, organic producers are worried GE beets will cross-pollinate with organic table beets and other related species, like chard. Learn more this issue and how you can take action at www.centerforfoodsafety.org