Food And Fetal Cells

[Poorly Catechized Convert]

I guess this is an old topic, but I've just discovered it. I want to start by mentioning that this question is based on a letter I read from the Pontificial Academy for Life. It was in regards to purchasing vaccines that made use of fetal cells. It stated that those who bought those vaccines were guilty of a "very remote mediate material cooperation" with the act of abortion. The letter can be found here: http://www.cogforlife.org/vaticanresponse.pdf It's very long, but if you still want to look at it, the relevant section is on page seven. According to this letter buying such vaccines would be sinful and should only be done in extreme circumstances. I'm guessing this also applies to food.

 

So apparently companies are using fetal cells to test the flavors of foods. The cells aren't in the products, but are used soley for testing. I guess this was brought to light by the group called "Children of God For Life." Do you know if they are a credible source? The brands they mention are Pepsi (I assume this implicates Frito Lays since they are owned by Pepsi), Kraft, and Nestle. According the their website, Pepsi and Kraft are removed from the boycott list (http://www.cogforlife.org/fetalproductsall.pdf).  Although, Pepsi is still partnered with Senomyx, the company that does the testing, it's just that fetal cells won't be used in the testing of their products. So should I now consider it moral to purchase Nestle and Pepsi products? Also, I've seen blogs state that other brands, like Kellogs and Heinz are partnered with Senomyx. Outside of these blogs (one or two), I'm unable to verify these claims and it doesn't look like they are associated with the companies mentioned by "Children of God For Life." Considering this, what should I make of these claims? Would it be moral for me to dismiss them? Also, what's your general perception of this issue as a whole?

 

Lastly I want to bring up something that's somewhat unrelated. What should I do with companies that are known for animal abuse? It seems like a lot of the big companies have been accused of such practices. While I stand strongly against such practices, it seems difficult to avoid their products. Do I have a moral obligation to do so? 

 

The reason I ask these questions is that these unethical practices are undertaken by most of the major companies (at least in appearance). It is a huge chore to avoid everything I know to by produced by them.

 

Thanks.

 

[Theoketos]

Its credible. 

 

This is a large reason I grow and sell my own good food. 

 

Most people are capable of doing this or of affording my food. 

 

Thus cooperation is even more material and remote than for the vaccine.