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Home My WebLink AboutCOM 0212.013 1996-1998 - YY OF N William G. Davis • lass, Stephen K. Yamashiro ~ r Managing Director Mayor I I i__ - . Henry Cho ~+~r. ~°:;Mi•` f Mana in Dimctor '97 APR 23 Pf`I 'i ge~`y g g Cnaixxtt~r o~ ~rzfuttii cour~~ ; COUNTY C~f= HAWAII 25 Auyuni Street, Room 215 Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4252 (808) 961-6211 Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 103 Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808)329-5226 • Fax (808)326-5663 MEMORANDUM April 23, 1997 TO: COUNCIL CHAIR JAMES ARAKAKI AND COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: MARCIA REYNOLDS[TBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER For your information, attached are letters that have been received from companies that Food & Water claims "reject" or are opposed to irradiation. These letters were received in response to inquiries I sent out about corporate positions on irradiation. Although these companies do not presently use irradiated products, they do not oppose irradiation and would consider using irradiated products if there is consumer demand. They do not give Food & Water permission to use their company names. sta. a~ , ~3 i~,e xo.__~D~C.~-.._ fief. 70: C01+?u~L.~~ Ret par APR ~ 8 19971 Pathmark Stores, Inc, _ 301 Blair Road ~ P. O. Box 5301 Woodbridge, NJ o~o9s~ 7 APR 2 3 P('1 4 2 0 Apnl 11 ~19~97 11~ ,V'J,411 Ms. Marcia Reynolds Hawaii County Public Information Officer County of Hawaii 25 Aupuni Street, Room 215 Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4252 Dear Ms. Reynolds: As per your questions in regards to Food & Water's flyer that is being distributed. Pathmark has not authorized them to use our name in its advertisement nor in any informational material. We cuaently do not have any products that aro irradiated at Pathmark. Pathmark's position on irradiation is that we will adhere to all laws dictated by the states and the local government. While we are not actively pursuing irradiated product, we do not have a policy of refusing to carry them if enough of the customers so desire them. Sincerely, James Cook QA Manager cc. S. Sorkin Gores Kisr Ixc. 244 Perimeter Center Partway, N.E, t\danta, Gt\ 30346-2397 • PO. E3ox 2210, ~\rlannt, GA 30301-2210 Paul G. Brower Telephone: (770) 393-5312 Vice President Communications Fas: (770) 393-5347 March 24, 1997 Ms. Marcia Reynolds Hawaii County Public Information Officer County of Hawaii 25 Aupuni Street, Room 215 Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4252 Dear Ms. Reynolds: This is in reply [o your letter of March l0 to our Ellijay, GA, division offices regarding Food & Water, Inc. of Vermont. Gold Kist Inc. is a diversified farm cooperative owned by approximately 50,000 farmers in the Southeast, Midsouth and Southwest. Poultry comprises our largest operation and provided approximately $1.75 billion in sales in fiscal year 1996. Gold Kist is the second largest poultry processor in the U. S. These are responses to your specific questions: I. The Company does have a policy adopted on October 16, 1992, with respect to irradiation: "Although the concept of irtadiation of certain meat products has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Gold Kist does not now use and does not plan to use the process on its chicken. "At this time the Company has no orders and does not anticipate receiving any orders from companies which may irradiate chicken or sell irradiated chicken products." 2. At this tithe, the Company does not use irradiated food product;. 3. Gold Kist has not authorized F&W to use its name in any manner. Perhaps you will be interested in the enclosed copy of an editorial on Food & Water, Inc., from the April 27, 1994 issue of The Wall Street Journal. While some of the supporting organizations may have changed their opinions of it, F & W continues to operate in this fashion today. Thank you for the opportunity to set the record straight regarding Gold Kist's position on food irradiation. Sincerely, ~~X.l ~t~l~!EZ~ Paul G. Brower Enclosure WHERE SHOPPING IS A PEEASUPE • Publix super markets, inc. Mary Ann Jones Customer Relations Manaqer Apri13, 1997 Ms. Marcia Reynolds Country of Hawaii 25 Aupuni Street Rm 215 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Dear Ms. Reynolds: Thank you for taking the time to write with your concerns on irradiated foods. "Publix has always been concerned about food safety and considers this a priority for our customers. Publix offers food products that have been approved by the professionals at the USDA, the FDA and the Florida Department of Agriculture. We have the utmost confidence of these professionals and they do make the best decisions concerning food safety for all of us. In keeping with our concern for food safety, Publix will consider irradiated foods only when approved, when available and when Publix buyers determine these products meet our high quality standards. Only when all these criterias are met, will Publix consider offering these products for sale to our customers. If these products would be offered, Publix would follow the law in displaying and labeling the products, so our customers will have a clear choice of purchase." Again, thank you for taking the time to write. I hope that this information will help you understand our position. Sincerely, ~~y A`hn JonesV MAJ:tdo KRAFT Kraft Foods \lichael ti. ?lurid ~'icc I'rc.idcm Corporate Afl!na March 28, 1997 Ms. Marcia Reynolds County of Hawaii 25 Aupuni Street, Room 215 Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4252 Dear Ms. Reynolds: In response to your letter, let me share Kraft's policy on irradiation. Kraft currently does not use irradiation in the manufacturing of its products nor does it accept irradiated ingredients, including spices. Our policy is not based on safety concerns. FDA has thoroughly reviewed the use of irradiation for certain foods and approved its usage for a variety of applications. We have confidence in FDA's findings. We have not authorized Food 8 Water to use our name in any of our materials and, in fact, have requested that they not do so. I hope this answers your questions. Sincerely, MM/bh tf,(,~, , 6rart Fmds, Inc. Thrcc Lakes Dnvc • Vorthrlcld, IL 60093 • Phont R~7.616.3N68 • Fax R57.646.307U 1.~~ Albertsons" Mazch 20, 1997 Marcia Reynolds County of Hawaii 25 Aupuni Street, Rm. 215 Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4252 Deaz Ms. Reynolds: This letter is to follow up on our telephone conversation of Mazch 18, 1997 and in answer to your letter dated Much 10. Albertson's has not stated any opposition to irradiated food or the food irradiation process. We have not authorized Food & Water, Inc. to use our name in any of their materials. Our only policy with regazds to food irradiation is that we will be pleased to offer it to our customers when the demand is demonstrated. We encourage you to pursue the use of irradiation for food safety and the improvement of quality. Sincerely, ALBERTSON'S, INC. Stephen H. Hilton Director, Product Quality & Environmental Programs SH:bh d:\steve\(ss\(odsa(e\ irtadialdoc ALBERTSON'S. INC. /GENERAL OFFICES / 250 PARKCENTER BLVD. /BOX 20l BOISE. IDAHO 83726 / 206-385-6200 ~ ~Itl~ ~~Y~U~1~~ COCA~C OLA PLPZA ATLANTA, GEORGIA A OO RE 55 REPV TO P O. ORA W ER I"!J< ATLA NTA. GA 30301 March 20. 1997 ' a°°'"'a =s=' Ms. Marcia Reynolds County of Hawaii 25 Aupuni St.. Rm. 215 Hilo. HI 96720-4252 Dear Ms. Reynolds: Thank you for contacting us regarding the flier you received from Food & Water, Inc. of Vermont. The ingredients used in our products are not irradiated, and The Coca-Cola Company does not use irradiation in the manufacture of our beverages. The Coca-Cola Company has no public policy about food irradiation. Our decision not to use irradiation at this time is based on economic and market factors. However, the food safety experts at The Coca-Cola Company understand that the scientific facts do not support the current public perception of food irradiation as an unsafe or unreliable method of preserving food. We did not authorize any organization, including Food & Water. Inc. of Vermont, to use our name in connection with literature either for or against food irradiation. Ms. Reynolds, we appreciated the opportunity to respond to your letter. Sincerely, ~ li.<..Z~ ~ ~.-(rn--- Karlyn Eaton Consumer Affairs Specialist CONSU MER INFORMATION CENTER foster Farms P.O. Box 457 ~®~~^I_ 1000 Davis Street Livingston, California 95334 TelcUhone 209:394.7901 March 17, 1997 Marcia Reynolds County of Hawaii 25 Aupuni Street, Room 215 Hilo, HI 96720-4252 Dear Ms. Reynolds, In response to your letter requesting information on irradiation, as follows are the answers. 1. Foster Farms does not have a position on irradiation. 2. Foster Farms does not irradiate nor use irradiated products. 3. Foster Farms did not authorize Food & Water to use our Company name. If you need any additional information, please give me a call. Sincerely, ~L~.e~4`~" ~ George Kellert Director Foodservice Chicken & Western Region Sales ~1~ ~llu~~Zne lJ~~Z~aS~ tNC. Corporate Office 677 Larch Avenue • Elmhurst, Illinois 60 L6-131 • Telephone 630 333-?900 • Fas 630 SO-fi773 April 9, 1997 Ms. Marcia Reynolds Hawaii County Public Information Officer County of Hawaii 25 Aupuni Street, Room 215 Hilo, H[ 96720-4252 Re: Food & Water, Inc. Dear Ms. Reynolds: [ acknowledge receipt of your letter dated March 10, 1997 regarding the flyer being distributed by Food & Water, Inc. of Vermont. It would be helpful for you to know that Sunshine Biscuits, Inc. was purchased by INFLO Holdings in June, 1996. Many Sunshine employees have left the company so our investigation into the questions raised in your letter has been difficult. Nevertheless, [have been able to determine the following: I. Sunshine does not have a policy regarding gamma ray irradiation. 2. Sunshine does not use any irradiated food products, including spices. 3. To the best of our knowledge, no one authorized Food & Water to use the Sunshine name in its advertisements and informational material. [ would greatly appreciate receiving a copy of the flyer referred [o in your letter. [f [his is possible, please send i[ to my attention. Upon receipt of the flyer which, hopefully, contains an address, I would be happy to contact Food & Water, Inc. about use of the Sunshine name, if you believe it would be helpful. If [can be of any further assistance to you in your investigation, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely yours, SUNSHINE BISCUITS C. J e Spatz nior Attorney /m b cc: L. Rasmussen P. Gobetz Consumer Response Center QUAKER The Quaker Oats Company, P.O. Box 049003, Chicago, Illinois 60604-9003 April 4, 1997 Ms. Marcia Reynolds County of Hawaii Public Information Officer, Room 215 25 Aupuni St. Hilo, HI 96720-4252 Dear Ms. Reynolds: Thank you for contacting us. Recently you requested information about the uee of the irradiation process in products manufactured by us. Please be advised that this process is not used in the preparation of any of our products. We also specify that none of the ingredients used in our products are irradiated. While we believe that irradiation, as allowed under federal regulations, is entirely safe and proper for some food and ingredients, we understand that some consumers do not agree. We are committed to manufacturing and distributing wholesome products of high quality which meet regulatory requiremznts as well as consumer expectations and needs. Wo appreciate your bringing to our attention the uee of our company's name in flyers distributed by Food & Water Inc. A copy of the flyer has been forwarded to our Legal Department for review. We appreciate the opportunity to respond. Sincerely, Regina Stevenson Sr. Analyst Consumer Communications QRS/cl 'Q Pnmee on ,ecv=~ae vaoe,. ADM ARCHER UANIELS MIOLANO COMPANY BOX 14~? ?ECATU R, ILLINOIS 62525 TELEPHONE: 2l]/424-5200 EXECUTIVE OFFICES Wflll`f$ DircCl Dill' (217)424-2GG3 March 19, 1997 Ms. Marcia Reynolds Hawaii County Public Information Center County of Hawaii 25 Aupuni Street Room 215 Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4252 Dear Ms. Reynolds: In response to your letter of March 10, 1997, Archer-Daniels-Midland Company ("ADM") has not taken any position on gamma rays irradiation, though I am unaware that it is purchasing any irradiated products. Further, ADM is not itself using irradiation on any products. With respect to Food & Water Inc., we are unfamiliar with [hat organization, and ADM has not given it permission to use the ADM name on its literature. Vcryaruly yours, r . Roney Senior Attorney SAR/vb I: RGYNOL