German action ahead of court hearing

Our activists in Germany set up 20 life-size cows in the old part of Cologne this morning, ahead of today's hearing of the Theo Müller GmbH case against Greenpeace Germany in the regional court in Cologne. The diary giant wants to implement a provisional order (injunction) to stop Greenpeace informing consumers that Müller milk is made from dairy cattle that are fed on GE animal feed.

Objections from over 6000 people against GE crops were played over loudspeakers in the heart of the city next to the cows. These have been collected through out May as consumers have expressed their objections against GE crops in animal feed country wide against Müller.

"So long as Müller feeds its cows on GE feed, Greenpeace will inform consumers. Today's judgment will change nothing," said Ulrike Brendel, our GE campaigner in Germany. "A large majority of consumers do not want GE crops used in food production. This also means in animal feed. Müller should listen to the wishes of their consumers and stop using GE animal feed."

Müller GmbH does not deny that GE animal feed is used by its dairy farmers. However the court order would mean that the Greenpeace website www.muell-milch.de and slogans such as 'Does it all have to be GE milk?' would no longer be able to be used.

The term GE milk is a thorn in the side to the milk industry. Müller has stated that it is not possible to prove that elements from the GE crops end up in the milk therefore the expression 'GE milk' is misleading. But Greenpeace Germany has submitted a report to the court from the research centre for milk and food in Weihenstephan/Bavaria. The report reveals that GE impurities can very probably end up in the milk.

"Whether the GE particles end up in the milk through the stomach of the cow or through dust in the air, its all the same to consumers. They shouldn't have to look for GE crops in any part of food production; neither in their food nor in animal feed," said Brendel.

It is not a problem to feed dairy cattle on GE free animal feed. The German market alone supplies sufficient quantities of GE free feed. A list of the suppliers is provided on a Greenpeace Germany website. Some dairies already guarantee milk production without using GE feed. Numerous dairies, Ehrmann for example, have assured to undertake concrete steps in order to change over to GE free animal feed.

Get Involved!

- Find out why Müller tries to gag Greenpeace

- Read our story: Müller takes a hit

- Find out about how Gourmet chefs and Greenpeace cook to combat GE

- Read about our Cowcar and its activities

- Find out about more German actions.

- Want to get involved in our Trolley Watch? Click here to see how you can help.

- Check out what is happening in your country

- For more information about the implications of the new EU labelling and traceability rules read this.

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