{VORYDALE TECHNICAL CENTER

   

CFO to, (779

CINCINNATI, OHO 45217

August 6, 1985

Dr. Joshua Lederberg
1230 York Avenue - Suite 115
New York - NY 10021-6399

Dear Josh:

Geoff Place has asked me to respond to your question about the status of the
Food Safety Council and any other organizations which are concerned with food
safety policy making and information dissemination.

The Food Safety Council was formed to address matters of food safety policy.
The Board of Trustees was composed of representatives from industry, academia,
public interest groups, and selected government organizations. The Director of
Product Development for P&G's Food Division was a member of the Board of
Trustees. In 1979, the Council issued a somewhat revolutionary and
controversial white paper proposing a new approach to food regulation. This
report created a public controversy about the intentions of the Council and,
indirectly, the food industry. In order to disassociate from the controversy,
a number of companies, including Procter & Gamble, left the Council, and the
organization was disbanded soon thereafter. For your information a copy of the
1979 report is attached.

The Company continues to be vitally interested in effective communication of
balanced and accurate information about food safety. Procter & Gamble
representatives provide active and influential leadership in the following
organizations:

cd
Institute of Food Technologists. Historically this group has focused on
compiling scientific data on Selected food issues and has served as an
information resource for the media and other interested parties. The
Institute currently is considering forming 4 public relations subgroup,
tentatively named The Food Information Center. P&G likely will support and
be involved with this initiative.

 

International Life Sciences Institute/Nutrition Foundation. These two
organizations have recently merged - ILSI will bring a reputation as a
distinguished, credible scientific organization and the Nutrition
Foundation will bring a more proactive public relations oriented
capability. Our assessment is that this new organization will provide a
credible and influential voice on food safety matters.

The Food Research Institute. Based at the University of Wisconsin, this
organization sponsors scientific research, develops white papers on key
food safety issues, and presents reports at a semi-annual scientific
conference. This forum usually is attended by the press and typically
generates good publicity on timely food issues. P&G is an active member.

Page 2.
Dr. Josua Lederberg
August 6, 1985

THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY

The Food Industry Safety Council. This group is in the early stages of
development following the grain processing companies experience in the EDB
situation. Its purpose is to monitor critical food safety issues,
particularly in the regulatory arena, at both federal and state levels, and
to develop an organization which could be used quickly and effectively to
manage potential crises. Mr. Dirvin is the Company's representative to the
Council.

In addition to the organizations listed above, P&@ is a member of those
industry organizations which are relevant to the Company's food businesses.
These include the Grocery Manufacturers Association, the National Food
Processors Association, the National Soft Drink Association, the National
Coffee Association, the Institute of Shortening and Edible Oils, the Flavor and
Extract Manufacturers Association, and the Association of Peanut Processing
Industries. Each of these organizations has a Scientific Committee to develop
technical information, particularly on controversial issues; a Public Affairs
Committee that deals with transmitting information to the media; a Regulatory
Affairs Committee responsible for following legislative and regulatory
activities; and a Legal Committee which provides legal guidance to the
organization.

There are a number of controversial areas which are of immediate concern to the
Company: dietary. fat and chronic disease, health effects of caffeine and
coffee, alleged health effects of aspartame, colorants used in food products,
and certain perfume and flavor ingredients. Each of these issues is being
managed at the scientific as well as the public relations levels by the
relevant industry organizations.

Finally, the Company closely follows a number of key professional health
groups. These include the American Medical Association, American Health
Foundation, American Heart Association, Association of Food and Drug Officials,
Association of State and Territorial Health Officials and the Food Nutrition
Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Since these groups often influence
regulatory policy-making decisions on various food safety matters, the Company
follows their activities closely. They are also prime sources of new
scientific information on a great variety of subjects of interest to the
Company (much of this information gets picked up by the press). In addition,
P&G scientists regularly attend important meetings of these groups and
participate in panel discussions pertaining to our areas of expertise, such as
diet and cholesterol.

In summary, there are a number of key food safety issues in which the Company
has a vital interest. We are managing these issues through appropriate
industry organizations and are seeking additional ways to communicate balanced
and accurate public information about food safety.

If you would like any additional information in this area, please let me know.

Very truly yours,

eek

P. W. Ifland, Ph.D., Manager
PWIsmat Professional and Regulatory Services
Attachment

ec: Mr. G. Place