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10 September 1999 - GM food
Due to the recent media coverage on Genetically
Modified Foods, Hoo Hing release a statement providing useful information to all
our customers. The statement is given below.
Over the last few
months there has been a lot of discussions concerning Genetically Modified Foods (GM
Foods), and that GM Foods are not safe to use. But what exactly is GM Foods?
For many years,
scientists have tried to find ways to increase crop harvest and improve the quality of the
crop. This was achieved by genetically altering the make up of the plant to incorporate
the desired trait or traits. For example, it may be desirable to increase the plant’s
tolerance to diseases and attack by insects or increase the size of the fruits etc. This
achievement was a enormous break through for the agricultural world as it ultimately leads
to a good harvest.
However,
currently the issue of whether GM Food is harmful to humans has been raised in many
debates. Therefore, the government has issued a set of guidelines for the use of GM Foods.
As from 19th September 1999, the catering industry is responsible for informing
customers of the use of any GM Food or GM food derivatives on their menu. Any offenders
will face fines up to £5000.
Hoo Hing Limited
has already approached all our product suppliers to ascertain their use of GM foods and or
derivatives of GM crops. So far we have received assurances from suppliers to the effect
that, as far as it is practically possible to tell, they are not using GM foods or
derivatives of GM crops in any of the products that they supply to us. Hoo Hing Limited
has also adopted a policy not to stock any products that contain GM foods and or
derivatives of GM crops and will continue strict monitoring for all our future supplies.
Hoo Hing
Limited will keep you updated on any further information available, but if you have any
enquiries or concerns over the GM Food issue, please do not hesitate to contact us. Hoo
Hing Limited would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your valued custom, and
look forward to serving your every need in the near future.
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