Genetically Altered Food Products

* I was glad to see coverage of worldwide concerns about genetically altered foodstuffs (March 14). In addition to questions about the possibly harmful effects on the human body are worries about the effects of pesticide crops on the food chain, balance of nature and future of our planet.

The Japanese are not the only people concerned about this. To give just two other examples: In Britain such foods are to be excluded from school lunches and hospital foods, while the importation of genetically altered seeds has brought about widespread demonstrations all over India.

The American public may need to wake up and get educated on what they are eating and imposing on the rest of the world.

ROSE LEIBOWITZ

Sherman Oaks

* I applaud the international markets standing firm against the U.S. industry demands to buy genetically altered vegetables and meat raised on hormones. I suggest these industries look to their consumers at home as well and notice the proliferation of grocery stores promoting organic vegetables and dairy products free of bovine growth hormone.

Consumers are talking with their wallets. Listen.

IRENE MELTZER

Los Angeles

* Together with other articles, “It’s a Matter of Health” (editorial, March 15) should be a wake-up call to consumers and governments.

A trade war appears imminent because Europe refuses to buy U.S. hormone-fed beef and genetically altered crops. Japan has also been resistant to buying such products. Pesticides are implicated in brain and neurological damage to fetuses and young children. Consumers Union has warned that pesticides in our fruit and vegetables are excessive and unhealthy. Past articles have warned of a connection between breast cancer and pesticides.

If products are implicated in health problems, we should stop using them while scientists test them. We urge our legislators to stop protecting commercial interests and start protecting people.

GAE O. ALEXANDER

Santa Barbara