Mean bean
altered soyabeans from the us have raked up frenzied protests in both Switzerland and Germany. This has followed Europe's insistence that us segregate its genetically-engineered soyabean exports from the conventional crop. Europe is due for its first shipment of genetically engineered soyabeans developed by us chemicals group, Monsanto, by the end of the year.
Meanwhile, the Anglo-Dutch food manufacturing giant, Unilever's German unit has vowed that it will not use this year's us soyabean crop. Nestle's German unit has also taken a similar pledge. Switzerland's two biggest food retailers, Migros and Co-op Schweiz also demanded that us identify its altered beans in its exports. Stating that consumers want to know what gets into their food, Migros stated, "We are urging our suppliers to push for a sepa ration of genetically altered soyabeans'.
Greenpeace has joined the protests stating, "The soyabeans will be mixed up with normal beans, so consumers will not be offered a choice and that is just not acceptable.'