The Health Risks of Genetically Modified (GMO) Foods

The Health Risks ofThe Health Risks ofGenetically Modified FoodsGenetically Modified Foods

FDA declares GMOs no different

“The agency is not aware of any information showing that foods

derived by these new methods differ from other foods in any meaningful or uniform way.”

Food and Drug Administration

“Statement of Policy” May 29, 1992

Allergens

Toxins

New diseases

Nutritional problems

In reality, agency scientists warned of:

Person in charge of FDA’s GMO policy ignored scientists’ warnings

Michael Taylor•Former Monsanto attorney•Later Monsanto vice president•Now back at FDA as US Food Safety Czar

GMOs are Inherently UnsafeThe GM process The GM process creates massive creates massive collateral collateral damage in the damage in the plant, which can plant, which can cause side-cause side-effectseffects

GM potatoes

Rats developed• Potentially pre-

cancerous cell growth in the digestive tract

• Smaller brains, livers and testicles

• Partial atrophy of the liver, and

• Immune system damage

Lancet, 1999

damaged rats (10 or 110 days)

Stomach lining

Non-GM GM

Soon after GM soy

was introduced into the UK,

soy allergies

skyrocketed

by 50%.York Laboratory

Possible causes for increase allergies

More herbicide residues Increased soy allergen

New potential allergen? Digestive enzymes reduced

Roundup Ready protein may be allergenic

The The Only Only

Human Human Feeding Feeding

Study Study on GM on GM CropsCrops

Genes transfer to intestinal bacteria and continue to function

Mice and rabbits fed Roundup Ready soy

Altered cells, enzymes, and/or gene expression in livers, kidneys, pancreas, and hearts

Higher metabolic activity(toxic insult)

Mice livers

Control GM soy fed

Hepatocyte Nuclei

Rat LiversC, D – GM soy fedА, B – control group

A

B

C

D

Rat testicles

ControControll GM soy fedGM soy fed

GM soyGM soyControlControl

Mice fed GM soyTesticle cells changed(including young sperm)

Embryos of GM-fed parents had altered DNA expression

European Journal of Histochemistry, 2004, and in pressEuropean Journal of Histochemistry, 2004, and in press

Death of baby rats, born of Death of baby rats, born of GM soy fed mothersGM soy fed mothers

Control GM-soy

Non-GM soyIrina Ermakova, 2005-2007

>50%>50%

10%10%

19-day old ratsLarger rat is from control group;

smaller from GM-soy group. Irina Ermakova, 2005-2007

Bt in cropsBuilt-in insecticide

Bt in cropsThousands of times more concentrated than the sprayDesigned to be more toxicHas properties of a known allergen

Mice ate Bt corn (30/90 days)

Multiple immune system

responses

Government of Italy Government of Italy

November 2008November 2008

Mice ate Bt cornIncreased

infertility and lower birth

weight

Government of Government of AustriaAustria

November 2008November 2008

Rats ate Bt corn (90 days)

Indicators for liver and kidney

toxicity,blood pressure

problems, allergies,infections or disease,

higher blood sugar,and anemia

Monsanto Monsanto studystudy

Laborers in India report the same reactions to Bt cotton as those who were sprayedItching, eruptions, wounds, discoloration

Thousands of sheep died after grazing onBt cotton plants

Bt cotton

Indian buffaloesIndian buffaloes

Reproductive Problems: Prolapsed Reproductive Problems: Prolapsed uterus, premature deliveries, uterus, premature deliveries, abortions, infertilityabortions, infertility

Sudden deathSudden death

Bt corn, reports…

Farmers report deaths:Cows, horses, buffalos, chickens

Bt corn, reports…

Farmers say pigs and cows became sterile

If Bt If Bt genes genes

transfer transfer They might turn our intestinal bacteria into living pesticide factories

Killed about 100 and caused

5,000-10,000 to fall sick

L-tryptophan produced by GM bacteria

The epidemic The epidemic was discoveredwas discoveredbecause the because the diseasedisease

1. Was new, with unique symptoms

2. Acute3. Came on quickly

Current Assessments No post-

marketing surveillanceNo human clinical trials

No proper evaluation of plant changes or effects

Approvals based on:•disproved or untested assumptions•industry studies

The American Academy The American Academy of Environmental of Environmental

MedicineMedicine““Animal studies indicate serious health risks … including Animal studies indicate serious health risks … including infertility, immune dysregulation, accelerated aging, infertility, immune dysregulation, accelerated aging, dysregulation of genes associated with cholesterol dysregulation of genes associated with cholesterol synthesis, insulin regulation, cell signaling, and protein synthesis, insulin regulation, cell signaling, and protein formation, and changes in the liver, kidney, spleen and formation, and changes in the liver, kidney, spleen and gastrointestinal system.”gastrointestinal system.”

Many animals avoided GM feed when given a choice

How do weHow do we stop stop the the genetic genetic

engineering of engineering of ourour food food supplysupply??

Tipping point for rejection of GM

crops

Campaign for Healthier Eating in America

www.ResponsibleTechnology.org

www.NonGMONonGMOShoppingGuideShoppingGuide..com