SENATOR JOYCE TO SPEAK AT SAFE FOODS RALLY

Senator Brian A. Joyce will speak at a rally on Monday, April 23^rd in favor of legislation he sponsored that would hold the manufacturers of genetically engineered foods liable for any harmful effects.

Senator Joyce will discuss "An Act Relative to Liability for Genetically Engineered Foods," a bill that will encourage biotech companies to conduct more thorough research on products before they are commercialized by holding manufacturers liable for any harm resulting from the food.

"While genetic innovations and new discoveries in the field of biogenetics benefit us all in some way or another, there needs to be more testing and labeling of these products before they hit our supermarket shelves," said Senator Joyce.

During the rally, MASSPIRG will also release results of a statewide public opinion poll on genetically engineered foods. Speakers at the event include Massachusetts farmers, consumers and scientists who are in favor of stricter regulations of genetically engineered foods.

The rally, which begins at 12:30 p.m. in Ashburton Park (behind the State House) will occur following a 10:30 a.m. Committee on Natural Resources and Agriculture hearing on "An Act Relative to Liability for Genetically Engineered Foods."

For more information, call Senator Brian A. Joyce�s office at 617-722-1643 or Jill Rubin of MASSPIRG at 617-292-4800.

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