Six letters printed on large, white cardboard cubes dance through downtown Berlin. Human heads and legs protrude from them. Suddenly they line up to one word: “COMMON” is clearly legible – the “M” in the logo font of “McDonald’s”. Mean? “McDonald’s only makes hamburgers with genetic engineering,” follows the statement on a poster. What looks like street theater is actually a protest action by “foodwatch” . also dr Thilo Bode, managing director of the consumer organization, stands on the street and collects signatures against genetically modified feed that, according to “foodwatch”, is fed to cattle for the burger meat.
It’s been eight years since the former Greenpeace boss founded the “foodwatch” association . It was also about meat back then : “In the UK and France around 150 people died from BSE and nobody was ever really held accountable,” he explains. He asked himself what consumer rights actually look like here. Since then, he and nine fellow campaigners have campaigned vehemently for more transparency.
The team, which includes a veterinarian, a biologist and several marketing experts, is based in East Berlin. With competence and the idealism necessary for such a task, they fight for enlightenment. Campaigns are prepared, facts are researched and laboratory tests for food are commissioned about a ten-minute walk from the famous Hackesche Höfe. “Our work takes place mainly at the desk. Actions on the street tend to be the exception,” explains spokesman Andreas Eickelkamp.
Hard research
The “foodwatchers” get ideas for their campaigns from political debates, talks with insiders from the food industry, information from industry and authorities. Then comes the tough research – because what is accused must be watertightly documented and must not be vulnerable. It is not for nothing that “foodwatch” has so far not registered any lawsuits or injunctions against its claims. And: The association also provides solutions. He presented “McDonald’s” with an offer from a soy supplier who would ensure a permanent supply of all meat-supplying farmers with non-GMO soy. “’foodwatch’ is an association that is very committed and qualified to promote healthy food and consumer rights. His list of demands corresponds to ours,” explains Dr. Günter Hörmann, Managing Director of the Hamburg Consumer Center.
“foodwatch” – an organization for uncontaminated food
The consumer organization “foodwatch” was founded in 2002 by ex-Greenpeace boss Dr. Founded by Thilo Bode. The non-profit association is based in Berlin and is supported by around 11,000 sponsoring members . “foodwatch” wants to strengthen the rights of consumers and put pressure on politicians and companies. You can find out about new campaigns and the results of food tests at any time and free of charge on the foodwatch.de website – and support the association with donations or as a supporting member.
The results of the test, which costs around 5,000 euros, are available free of charge on the “foodwatch” website. But: “foodwatch” not only publishes the results and thus gives the opportunity to boycott certain products. At the same time, the association is also pushing for an acrylamide content label on all packaging. In the case of genetic engineering, there is even a demand for complete labeling of all products. This also includes the clear reference to genetic engineering in eggs, meat and milk if the animals have grown up with genetically modified feed.
Dioxin in cod liver
“We have to keep making it clear to consumers that they are being cheated from start to finish,” explains Bode drastically. Because official bodies have long known that the quality of our food is a mess. Example: In May, the Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BLV) informed the competent state authorities about dioxin-contaminated cod liver products. The names of the manufacturers were not mentioned. “foodwatch” immediately commissioned its own tests: high dioxin levels were discovered and published. Several German retail chains then took contaminated products off their shelves.
Critical consumers
About four years ago, “foodwatch” campaigned for an effective consumer information law. Bode: “In its current form, the law is not in the interest of the consumer.” For example, it must oblige authorities to publish the results of food inspections and to name company names that are involved in food scandals.
The organization was able to hand over more than 30,000 signatures to the responsible politicians – from consumers who are demanding their right to complete information. For Bode, a sign that “foodwatch” was on the right track. His wish: as many critical citizens as possible who organize themselves, who recognize “that consumer rights are a political problem and support ‘foodwatch’ as a supporting member”. To this end, he takes to the streets with posters himself – for example against GM burgers.
