In my readings, I found some very interesting articles pertaining to the Nestlé corporation and it’s CEO Peter Brabeck.
In this first article by DSWright, we see a video of Mr. Brabeck discussing his criticism of the organic movement in Europe, to the privatization of the world’s water supply, and more.
DSWright points out that, “Brabeck disparages the “organic movement” and those opposing genetically modified food saying he prefers the American system which, he claims, has not produced a single case of illness. Brabeck may be omitting or may genuinely not know that no one in the US could document such a case of illness, even if it occurred, because GM food is not labeled in America.”
So I did a little research of my own only to find this article from PR Newswire which states, “GMOs are now present in 75 to 80 percent of conventional processed food in the U.S., according to the Grocery Manufacturers Association.” Followed by another article by the American Academy of Environmental Medicine which cautions,
[...] because GM foods have not been properly tested for human consumption, and because there is ample evidence of probable harm, the AAEM asks: Physicians to educate their patients, the medical community, and the public to avoid GM foods when possible and provide educational materials concerning GM foods and health risks. Physicians to consider the possible role of GM foods in the disease processes of the patients they treat and to document any changes in patient health when changing from GM food to non-GM food. Our members, the medical community, and the independent scientific community to gather case studies potentially related to GM food consumption and health effects, begin epidemiological research to investigate the role of GM foods on human health, and conduct safe methods of determining the effect of GM foods on human health. [And] For a moratorium on GM food, implementation of immediate long term independent safety testing, and labeling of GM foods, which is necessary for the health and safety of consumers.
So it seems pretty safe to say that even if GMOs were required to be labeled in America, it would be nearly impossible to determine GMOs as a causality of illness considering nearly all of our food supply has been modified to some extent.
As for the privatization of the world’s water supply, Brabeck believes that humans having a public right to water is an “extreme” viewpoint. Enough said.
As for patenting of plants, according to another article published by Business Standard, “Swiss food company Nestle is seeking a patent on the use of the seed (botanical name) Nigella sativa to prevent food allergies, claiming the plant seed and extract when they are used as a food ingredient or drug.”
If you do not wish to further empower the Nestlé corporation, one thing you can do is boycott their products. I have included a list of Nestlé subsidiaries as well, found here. Another thing you can do is sign this petition I found here. You could also buy locally grown organic produce to cut down on your exposure to GMOs in your diet.
With all that being said, I commend Peter Brabeck for being so transparent with his views. At three minutes and forty seconds of the video he explains, “I’m still of the opinion that the biggest social responsibility of any CEO is to maintain and ensure the successful and profitable future of his enterprise.” In other words, profits supersede the potential ramifications and health risks to people. Unfortunately, there are more people out there who also share this mindset, but by removing your money from these organizations they lose power. Make better choices for yourself and your loved ones to create change in the world.