Rally for the right to know: Educating the masses about GMOs

(NaturalNews) On March 26th 2011, social activists and other activist organizations plan to unite at “The Rally for the Right to Know” in Washington, DC., www.facebook.com/rallyfortherighttoknow2011. They will gather before the eyes of law makers to do what the FDA, USDA and other government food overlords refuse to do and what Congress refuses to make them do: educate the public about what they are really eating. By informing passersby about the genetically modified ingredients in their food, they hope newly informed consumers will join their ranks to demand the independent scientific study of and labeling of genetically modified foods, as well as protection for organic farmers from cross contamination and the loss of organic markets. In conjunction with the rally in DC, rallies are being held in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, Vermont and Wisconsin. Additional rallies continue to crop up across the US and there is the hope that every state will hold a “Rally for the Right to Know.” The greatest obstacle we face is corporate power and influence, and the lack of transparency created by failing to label these foods. Too few consumers know and understand what “genetically modified” means. Normally, plants obtain their traits through selective breeding and crossing of desired parents. GM takes traits from foreign material (plants, animals, humans, bacteria, viruses) and inserts the new gene into the DNA using laboratory methods. Although biotech corporations such as Monsanto are granted patents on their genetically modified seeds because they are different, the FDA considers GM foods “substantially equivalent” and does not require food manufacturers to disclose that these ingredients are from genetically modified sources. They are “substantially” different enough to patent, but not to disclose to consumers who trust the FDA to provide them with information about food and to assure their safety. Neither is happening when it comes to GM foods. Consumers are also unaware of the growing body of evidence that show health and environmental concerns. Because independent studies are not allowed in North America, and biotech corporations don’t release their tests due to patent infringement, governments and consumers are unable to see what those exact tests are; only the biotech corporations findings. But new diseases and health issues are continuing to surface, leaving questions as to why GM foods are not examined more carefully. Environmental concerns of GM cross contamination and “volunteer” plants escaping and growing outside of fields and boundaries are also a potential threat to natural habitats and wildlife. Corporate control of world food and seed supplies, monopolization through patents, and government lobbying are placing corporate interests above human interests on all levels of our government. Consumers have the right to know and choose which foods they eat. Most consumers that know choose NOT to purchase or consume GM foods.

Rally for the right to know: Educating the masses about GMOs

(NaturalNews) On March 26th 2011, social activists and other activist organizations plan to unite at “The Rally for the Right to Know” in Washington, DC., www.facebook.com/rallyfortherighttoknow2011. They will gather before the eyes of law makers to do what the FDA, USDA and other government food overlords refuse to do and what Congress refuses to make them do: educate the public about what they are really eating. By informing passersby about the genetically modified ingredients in their food, they hope newly informed consumers will join their ranks to demand the independent scientific study of and labeling of genetically modified foods, as well as protection for organic farmers from cross contamination and the loss of organic markets. In conjunction with the rally in DC, rallies are being held in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, Vermont and Wisconsin. Additional rallies continue to crop up across the US and there is the hope that every state will hold a “Rally for the Right to Know.” The greatest obstacle we face is corporate power and influence, and the lack of transparency created by failing to label these foods. Too few consumers know and understand what “genetically modified” means. Normally, plants obtain their traits through selective breeding and crossing of desired parents. GM takes traits from foreign material (plants, animals, humans, bacteria, viruses) and inserts the new gene into the DNA using laboratory methods. Although biotech corporations such as Monsanto are granted patents on their genetically modified seeds because they are different, the FDA considers GM foods “substantially equivalent” and does not require food manufacturers to disclose that these ingredients are from genetically modified sources. They are “substantially” different enough to patent, but not to disclose to consumers who trust the FDA to provide them with information about food and to assure their safety. Neither is happening when it comes to GM foods. Consumers are also unaware of the growing body of evidence that show health and environmental concerns. Because independent studies are not allowed in North America, and biotech corporations don’t release their tests due to patent infringement, governments and consumers are unable to see what those exact tests are; only the biotech corporations findings. But new diseases and health issues are continuing to surface, leaving questions as to why GM foods are not examined more carefully. Environmental concerns of GM cross contamination and “volunteer” plants escaping and growing outside of fields and boundaries are also a potential threat to natural habitats and wildlife. Corporate control of world food and seed supplies, monopolization through patents, and government lobbying are placing corporate interests above human interests on all levels of our government. Consumers have the right to know and choose which foods they eat. Most consumers that know choose NOT to purchase or consume GM foods.

Consumer activists unite to demand labeling of genetically modified foods

(NaturalNews) Washington, DC March 14, 2011. A growing number of consumer activists are staging demonstrations all over the US, with the largest so far at the White House on March 26, 2011. They demand labeling of genetically modified foods and they’re urging activists around the country to “Rally for the Right to Know” locally. The idea has spread like wildfire with other grassroots rallies already being planned in Colorado, California, Wisconsin, Indiana, Tennessee, Florida and Oregon to coincide with the rally in Washington DC. Their demands are: 1. We have the right to know and want genetically modified foods labeled. 2. We want factory farmed animal and genetically modified animal products labeled. 3. We want independent, transparent, long-term studies done on the safety of GMO’s for animals, plants and humans. 4. We want the organic industry protected from cross-contamination and law suits to organic farmers. The FDA currently considers GM foods “substantially equivalent” and therefore doesn’t require labeling. There is a growing body of evidence that show: * Health and environmental concerns. * Corporate control of world food and seed supplies, and monopolization through patents, government lobbying and corporate interest over human interest in all levels of government. * Monsanto is the leader in GM patents. Rally Organizer, Trish Wright “We will not stop in our efforts to accomplish our goals. If the FDA won’t tell people, we will. Our freedom of choice is being violated by the FDA not requiring these products to be labeled.” To date, the majority of commodity crops are genetically engineered. (Soy, corn, canola, cotton). Many deregulated crops such as GE Alfalfa and GE Sugar Beet, being planted in 2011, have the ability to destroy the organic industry. People are asked to participate in, or organize a rally in their area. Visit: www.facebook.com/rallyfortherighttoknow2011 for more information.

GMO lies: Deliberate misuse of the term "genetically modified" designed to mislead people

(NaturalNews) It’s one of the most common false arguments of GMO pushers: There’s nothing to be worried about with genetically modified foods, they argue, because almost everything is genetically modified, they claim. What they’re referring to is the genetic selection used in the long, slow development of many crops such as wheat, which originally began as a grass but was shaped generation after generation through the selection of larger seeds, ultimately leading to modern-day wheat. This stands in stark contrast to genetic engineering , which is the artificial inserting of genetic code (often from animal species, by the way) into the DNA of a plant. This is a completely artificial, interventionist “engineering” of the DNA of a plant that wildly differs from mere genetic “selection.” GMO poison pushers attempt to confuse people with these terms by claiming that “lots of foods are genetically modified,” thereby blurring the distinction between genetic selection versus genetic engineering . I’ve even heard top-level scientists attempt to use this false argument, hoping that no one will notice. The simple truth is that genetic selection works in harmony with natural processes of gene variation within a species. If you grow corn, and you save the seeds from your best-tasting corn to plant the next generation of corn, you are engaged in genetic selection . This is natural. But the GMO industry doesn’t even want you to be able to save your seeds from one generation to the next. They use “terminator” technology in the seeds to ensure that the second generation of seeds is non-viable. That alone is a crime against humanity because it forces a seed monopoly upon farmers and consumers in developing nations and first-world nations. This is why any individual or organization that is in favor of seed-termination technology in GMOs is supporting a crime against nature . As usual, the powerful corporations pushing GMOs are attempting to blatantly confuse consumers (and journalists) over the difference between genetic selection versus genetic engineering . None of the biotech GMOs are created through selection processes along. They all are based on artificial genetic engineering. 10 facts you need to know about GMOs: • GMOs are created through artificial genetic engineering of plant DNA, usually through inserting animal genes into plants. • Genetic “selection,” in contrast, is a natural process whereby people plant seeds, generation after generation, from their crops that demonstrate desirable characteristics. This is how wheat, corn and other crops were developed over centuries of seed selection. • The GMO industry uses seed terminator technology to forbid seed saving and planting, thereby forcing farmers to buy seeds year after year (creating a seed monopoly and a single point of control for food). • People who promote GMOs are engaged in crimes against humanity and crimes against nature. They promote dangerous technologies that threaten the future of life on earth by causing genetic pollution and a sharp loss of seed diversity . • GMOs have been linked to at least 200,000 suicides in India over the past decade due to failed crops (http://www.naturalnews.com/030913_Monsanto_suicides.html). • The GMO industry has financially taken over much of the mainstream media, politicians and science journals (http://www.naturalnews.com/031093_unscientific_GMOs.html). They will not stop until they achieve complete control over the world food supply, enslaving humanity in a food monopoly. • GMOs cause “genetic pollution” that damage other crops and ultimately threaten the reproductive viability of crops in the long term. The future of food is jeopardized by GMOs. • The GMO industry is now attempting to brand all opponents of GMOs as “unscientific” by claiming that GMO = science, and therefore anyone who opposes GMOs is automatically an opponent of science (http://www.naturalnews.com/031093_unscientific_GMOs.html). • The GMO push into Europe is a confirmed conspiracy involving U.S. officials and GMO corporations, as revealed in a Wikileaks cable that the mainstream media has still refused to report (http://www.naturalnews.com/030828_GMOs_Wikileaks.html). • The next great food famine (and mass starvation) will undoubtedly be caused by GMOs. And yet the industry claims that GMOs will save the planet from starvation! Only in a crooked, corrupt world could an industry claim to be saving the world while actually enslaving the world. Watch NaturalNews editor Mike Adams rap about GMOs in the hit song, “Just Say No to GMOs” Visit www.NaturalNews.com/NoGMO to learn more. Stay informed about GMOs www.ResponsibleTechnology.org www.GMwatch.org www.NonGMOproject.org Share this story to spread the word about GMOs . Many people have been fooled by Biotech propaganda and they remain unaware of the true health and environmental hazards of genetically engineered foods.

Humpty Dumpty stars in genetically modified nursery rhyme

(NaturalNews) We’ve just released a hilarious new Humpty Dumpty nursery rhyme that calls attention to the dangers of genetically modified foods. The short video is available now at NaturalNews.TV: http://www.naturalnews.tv/v.asp?v=7169FB2DB98676A4616229E3A6356F20 The video is the first in a new series of videos called ‘Genetically Modified Rhymes’ available at www.GeneticallyModifiedRhymes.com Created by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, this new Humpty Dumpty video takes a humorous look at a serious topic: The dangers of “playing God” with the food supply. “We created this video to give parents and educators a kid-friendly way to communicate a serious message about the dangers of genetically modified foods,” said Adams, who also created the super-popular “Just Say No to GMOs” music video which has now been viewed by over half a million people on NaturalNews.TV and YouTube: http://www.naturalnews.tv/v.asp?v=B459FF2B150FDF4651302A60993D9CF3 To watch the Humpty Dumpty nursery rhyme video, visit: http://www.naturalnews.tv/v.asp?v=7169FB2DB98676A4616229E3A6356F20 Please share the video play page with your friends on Facebook and Twitter to help spread the word about the dangers of GMOs.

Just Say No to GMO music video features Health Ranger rapping about dangers of genetically modified foods

(NaturalNews) As part of the October Non-GMO month, the Health Ranger has released a new rap music video called “Just Say No to GMO.” Written and performed by Michael Adams (the Health Ranger), this new song takes aim at the biotech industry by exposing the dangers of genetically engineered foods while promoting the Non-GMO Project Verified logo that helps consumers identify which foods are free from dangerous GMOs. The music video is available now on the NaturalNews.TV video site: http://naturalnews.tv/v.asp?v=B459FF2B150FDF4651302A60993D9CF3 It is also available on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnN6FFjZBZQ The video features rap lines from Jeffrey Smith, executive director of the Institute for Responsible Technology (www.ResponsibleTechnology.org), a non-profit educational group that teaches consumers about the many dangers of genetically engineered foods. IRT also supports mandatory labeling of GMO foods so that consumers may choose to avoid them. The “Just Say No to GMO” song can be downloaded as a free MP3 file at http://www.naturalnews.com/NoGMO That same page offers song lyrics, ringtones, videos, commentary and information resources where consumers can learn more about the dangers of GMO foods. “Just Say No to GMO” is the fifth song in Mike Adams’ album “Beyond All Reason,” available for free at: www.NaturalNews.com/Music “I’m really excited to be able to sing about the dangers of GMOs and help alert people to what’s really in their foods,” Adams said. “This is an issue that touches the lives of virtually everyone. Genetically engineered foods have invaded our food supply, and people have a right to know what that means to their health.” Adams is a strong supporter of the IRT as well as other anti-GMO organizations such as Non-GMO Project (www.NonGMOproject.org), the Organic Consumers Association (www.OrganicConsumers.com) and the Center for Food Safety (www.TrueFoodNow.org). Adams also supports the efforts of other natural health industry individuals and organizations who are battling against GMOs in the food supply, such as Dr Joseph Mercola (www.Mercola.com) and Food Democracy Now (www.FoodDemocracyNow.org). Reaction to the Just Say No to GMO song has been strongly positive: “Mike’s Anti-GMO rap is not only great music, it’s just the kind of creative way we need to get the message out to people who may not even know they are eating dangerous genetically modified organisms every day. Great job Mike!” – Jeffrey Smith, executive director, Institute for Responsible Technology www.ResponsibleTechnology.org “Just say no to GMOs is the Battle Hymn for our new Organic Republic. Take action against Monsanto and their mad scientists and indentured politicians.” – Ronnie Cummins, Director, Organic Consumers Association www.OrganicConsumers.org “Mike Adams unleashes his creative talents once again by putting together Just Say NO to GMO . It’s a wildly clever and catchy way to educate you about the real dangers and authentic risks that GMO’s pose to the public health.” – Dr. Mercola, Founder of www.Mercola.com “Mike Adams has combined his talents of honest health reporting and surprising music composition to create a song that is a modern call to action against the dangerous and imminent genetic modification of our entire food supply.” – Kevin Gianni, founder, the Renegade Health Show www.RenegadeHealth.com “If the youth of any generation are the catalyst for real change, Mike Adams just put the next generation on the map when it comes to saying no to genetically modified foodstuffs.” – Robert Scott Bell, host and creator of the Robert Scott Bell radio show www.RobertScottBell.com “Mike always impresses me with his dedication to truth, passion for natural health and innovative ways of sharing the messages he cares about – and this new song is no exception! ‘Just Say No to GMOs’ is a powerful and meaningful call to action, which I am sure will especially appeal to young people and help educate them on food safety. I applaud Mike for sharing his inner rapper with us all…!” – Matt Monarch www.TheRawFoodWorld.com To hear the song and learn more, visit www.NaturalNews.com/Music Help raise $20,000 for the Institute for Responsible Technology Please join Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, in raising $20,000 to fund operations of the IRT, the non-profit group fighting to protect us all against GMOs. The Health Ranger has pledged $10,000 in matching funds for your first $10,000 in donations, meaning your donation dollars go twice as far! Click this link to read details about making a tax-deductible contribution: https://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/6236/shop/custom.jsp?donate_page_KEY=2910 Just Say No to GMO lyrics Lyrics by Mike Adams I’m lookin at the food that’s in the grocery store They say it’s safe, everybody eat more. On second thought, I don’t really know if it’s made with those GMOs So I’m lookin for the non-GMO label before I bring it home and put it on my table I wanna know it’s verified so I don’t Harm myself with genetically modified Uh-Oh They don’t want you to know All the poison they grow The corporate profits they show from those GMO OH Those Frankenseeds that they sow They’re gonna hurt us we know It’s time we told ‘em to go, say GMO NO! I don’t want eat poison, I don’t want gene mutations at my dinner reservations it’s a food abomination what they doin’ to this fast food nation They take artificial gene combinations inject them in seed variations so they can grow their Frankenfood imitations while the side effects cause medical patients Keep their profits alive while they spraying all the food with name brand herbicides and all the while they’re spreadin’ their lies Monsanto destroyin’ farmers lives and the FDA keeps it all going saying it’s safe even though they all know it’s just poison stealing away your life, and that’s what you eat with genetically modified. GMO safety huh that’s a corporate myth if you don’t believe me listen to Jeffery Smith He’s the man with plan gonna do what he can To help us all get those GMOs banned But we need you to lend a hand take a stand against this food scam It’s a mission for the health condition worldwide We don’t wanna live genetically modified Don’t eat food unless you know what’s in it Don’t believe the propaganda cuz the press will spin it Affects everybody, we all up in it Stand up to Monsanto, tell ‘em oh no you didn’t Reject Frankenfoods in the store demand honest labels so we can be informed We have a natural right to know What we buyin’ Just say no to GMO Before our farms start dyin’ Just say no to GMO Those corporate crooks are lyin’ Just say no to GMO This time we’re not complyin’ Just say no to GMO We’re just not buyin’ it Just say no to GMO

Genetically engineered salmon, if approved by FDA, could destroy the salmon industry

(NaturalNews) As the world awaits the FDA’s decision on whether to approve genetically modified salmon as “safe enough” to allow into the food supply, it seems that not enough people in the existing fishing industries have really thought this through. As you’ll see here, approval of GE salmon could destroy the existing salmon industry . Why? Here’s the reason: The FDA says that once it approves GE salmon (which now seems likely), it will not require GE salmon to be labeled as “genetically modified” or “genetically engineered.” In fact, the FDA ridiculously claims it would be illegal to require these GE fish to be labeled as such because they are, in the minds of the FDA, no different from regular fish. Now here’s why this matters: If consumers are not told which salmon is GE, many will avoid buying ALL salmon. In fact, organizations like NaturalNews and many others like the Organic Consumers Association would likely take strong action, warning people to avoid all salmon because you never know which salmon is genetically modified. As word about the non-labeling of GE salmon spreads, more and more consumers would avoid buying salmon altogether. This is precisely how the introduction of GE salmon into the food supply could destroy the existing salmon industry. The FDA’s inexcusable non-labeling of genetically modified salmon creates distrust in the entire category. And just as the natural health community has been successful in warning people to avoid MSG and HFCS, we will almost certainly be successful in warning people away from eating salmon, too (if GE salmon infects the food supply). And that’s a shame because, by and large, the natural health industry supports wild-caught salmon as a healthy source of omega-3 oils. But virtually overnight, the FDA’s approval of GE salmon could reverse our position on this issue and make us outspoken opponents of buying and consuming salmon. I wonder if the salmon industry is aware that this situation could devastate existing salmon farms and fisheries? Opening the floodgates to more GE factory farmed animals That GE salmon could cause sharp losses across the existing salmon industry is only the beginning of the problems potentially unleashed by the FDA’s disturbing shortsightedness. There has never been a genetically engineered animal approved for use in the U.S. food supply, but once the FDA approves GE salmon, it sets a precedent for other genetically engineered animals to follow. Imagine a genetically modified cow with triple growth hormone genes, carrying muscles (meat) so large that it can’t even stand on its own feet. It is grown in a “cow factory” where it suffers every day from the pain of its unnatural existence. It never sees the outdoors or experiences a single day of freedom in a pasture. Instead, it is fed antibiotics and GMO feed crops through a system of tubes, much like the imprisoned characters in The Matrix . The sole purpose of its life is to grow premium steaks and ground beef, sold by a company that genetically engineers animals to create greed-driven food profits without a single thought about the suffering of the animal itself. This is exactly what could be unleashed by the FDA’s decision on GE salmon. Only it wouldn’t end with just cows: Imagine genetically modified pigs, chickens and lambs, all distorted into artificial meat-producing forms to satisfy corporate profits. Vaccines from sheep flesh And it won’t end with just food, either. Scientists are already experimenting with genetically modified animals who “grow” pharmaceuticals. Imagine a factory farm of sheep whose bodies are tapped to produce vaccines or hormone drugs. This is the sick, demented world to which the biotechnology industry is now looking for the next wave of profits. Fueled by arrogant greed and a deeply-rooted disrespect for the natural world (and the suffering of sentient beings, which include farm animals), they will pursue bottom-line profits by any means necessary… even if it means playing God with the genes of animals and giving rise to Franken-animals that experience tremendous pain and suffering while being grown for food. (Much like in The Matrix, once again.) The pain and suffering committed by factory farms today is more than enough reason to consider giving up all conventionally-raised meat products, by the way. But it could get far worse if the industry is allowed to start genetically engineering mutant animals designed to produce more meat (or milk) more quickly and with higher profits. And it all starts with GE salmon. How do we even know, by the way, whether the genetically modified salmon who grow twice as fast as regular salmon experience some sort of unnatural pain as a result of their gene distortions? These gene modifications can, from another point of view, be described as a kind of “birth defect,” and some birth defects quite literally result in tremendous suffering for those being unfortunate enough to be affected by them. Not surprisingly, the experience of the animal isn’t even being taken into account by the FDA! This agency, which is blind to the experience of animals, only cares about the impact of GE salmon on people who eat its flesh, not about the experience of the fish. If this same lack of empathy is applied to future decisions regarding GE animals, it will only lead us down a dark path of Frankenfood misery, where humanity becomes the monster that creates horrific mutant animals to be grown and harvested in dark places, behind the closed doors of the sickening meat industry. Action you can take right now What can you do to stop this crime against nature? For starters, you can contact the FDA right now and tell them two things: 1) You oppose allowing GE salmon to be introduced into the food supply. 2) If it is approved, you support honest labeling of the salmon to indicate that it is genetically engineered. Find the FDA’s contact information here: http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/CFSAN/ContactCFSAN/default.htm U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Outreach and Information Center 5100 Paint Branch Parkway HFS-009 College Park, MD 20740-3835 Toll-Free Information Line: 1-888-SAFEFOOD (1-888-723-3366) Industry email: industry@fda.gov Consumers email: consumer@fda.gov Get ready to boycott salmon If the FDA approves GE salmon, get ready to join NaturalNews in a nationwide boycott of salmon products . As long as GE salmon is not honestly labeled, we will boycott salmon products, and we will coordinate with other non-profits who share our belief that consumers have a right to know what they’re buying and eating. For the FDA to say that they refuse to require the honest labeling of GE salmon is an outrageous insult to consumer intelligence. It’s beyond an insult, actually: It’s more like a crime against the People because it consciously seeks to misinform the public about what they’re eating. This demonstrates yet again how dangerous the FDA has actually become. Far from protecting consumers, the FDA has become the single greatest threat to the health and safety of the American people . This agency actively seeks to keep people in the dark about what they’re buying and eating. It is a purveyor of ignorance and disinformation, and it is engaged in a conspiracy to commit yet another crime against humanity (against the entire planet, actually) in order to protect biotech profits. Why can’t the FDA just tell the truth and, at minimum, require that GE salmon be labeled as such? Because being honest apparently isn’t in the agency’s genes. Maybe we need to genetically modify the FDA and insert some “truth hormone” proteins so it attains the ability to tell the truth. That would be a radical modification from the current behavior of the agency, wouldn’t it?

Obama’s USDA to deceive Americans over GM crops

(NaturalNews) The Obama administration’s Department of Agriculture (USDA) is attempting to downplay the risks of genetically modified alfalfa, a crop previously banned by numerous federal courts. In 2007, a federal court rejected the Bush USDA’s approval of alfalfa plants genetically engineered for resistance to the Monsanto herbicide Roundup. The court ruled that the USDA had not properly considered the risks posed by the crop. These risks included the possibility that the genetically modified (GM) crops could swap genetic material with related species, thus contaminating neighboring fields or producing non-agricultural “super weeds.” Monsanto continues to appeal the decision, even though the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled against it twice. The case is now pending consideration by the Supreme Court. Alfalfa is the first perennial crop to be genetically modified. Because it does not die after a year but can regenerate itself from even its roots, the risk of genetic contamination is higher than even that from GM annual crops, which have already been documented to spread beyond the fields they are planted in. “Widespread [GM] contamination of organic alfalfa is inevitable if the Obama Administration successfully distorts science and ignores public opinion and allows Monsanto’s GM Roundup Ready alfalfa to be planted across the U.S.,” said Ronnie Cummins of the Organic Consumers Association. After Obama appointed former Monsanto executive Tom Vilsack to head the USDA, the agency released a new draft environmental impact statement (EIS) that continues to play down these risks. Yet even the Monsanto-friendly EIS acknowledges that “acute toxicity … was observed” in mice that consumed GM alfalfa. It also admits that residues of Roundup (glyphosate) herbicide are toxic. “Based on upper estimates of exposure … infants consuming fruit and all age groups consuming vegetables may be at risk of adverse effects associated with acute exposure to glyphosate residues,” the statement reads. Since the introduction of Roundup Ready GM crops 13 years ago, herbicide use has increased by 383 million pounds. Sources for this story include: www.huffingtonpost.com/ronnie-cummins/obama-usda-poised-to-take_b_432185.html.

Three Approved GMO Crops Linked to Organ Damage, New Study Shows

(NaturalNews) Genetically Modified crops (or GM) are genetically modified organisms (GMO) that have been altered to meet a specific profile. They have also been the subject of controversy almost since their introduction two decades ago. A new study pinpoints three variations of GM corn (maize) as being linked to organ damage in mammals. The three varieties in question are Mon 810, Mon 863, and NK 603. The “Mon” is for, you guessed it, Monsanto and the NK is also a Monsanto product, being engineered for herbicide tolerance. The study was conducted by the Committee of Research and Information on Genetic Engineering (CRIIGEN) and the Universities of Caen and Rouen in France. 1 The study used the same data that was used by Monsanto to gain approval in several parts of the world. The data was released publicly in 2005 by European authorities when the three GM strains were approved for human consumption in both the U.S. and Europe. Gilles-Eric Seralini, a molecular biologist at the University of Caen and one of the principals in the study, says that the data “clearly underlines adverse impacts on kidneys and liver, the dietary detoxifying organs, as well as different levels of damages to heart, adrenal glands, spleen and haematopoietic system.” Each of the three strains produced differing amounts of adverse impact, but the impact on vital organs was universal for all three GM crops. The study was completed in December 2009 and appears in the International Journal of Biological Sciences 1 (IJBS). It conforms with and substantiates an earlier study done by CRIIGEN in 2007 on Mon 863. 2 The results of that study were rejected by Monsanto. 3 One controversy many point to when criticizing Monsanto’s counter-analysis as well as the governmental acceptance of the GM crops is in the way Monsanto’s studies were carried out. Traditionally, when testing drug, pesticide, or other human-ingested items’ safety, the standard protocol is to use three different mammalian species. Monsanto used only rats for their studies, but still managed to win GMO approval in at least a dozen countries. Further, the studies were carried out in only 90 day spans, which is not long enough to find most chronic problems. Other problems with Monsanto’s studies should have raised more red flags, but they were ignored by the governmental panels put in charge of making the decision to allow the company’s genetically modified crops into wide distribution in their countries. The new CRIIGEN study concludes that the raw data makes it clear that all three GMO crops have real problems and should be put under “an immediate ban on the import and export of these GMOs.” The study also strongly recommends additional long-term, multi-generational animal feeding studies be done on at least three species to provide truly scientific “data on the acute and chronic toxic effects of GM crops, feed and foods.” Resources: 1 – de Vendomois JS, Roullier F, Cellier D, Seralini GE. A Comparison of the Effects of Three GM Corn Varieties on Mammalian Health. – Int J Biol Sci 2009; 5:706-726. 2 Greenpeace analysis of MON863 CRIIGEN study, 2007 . 3 Rejection of the 2007 study on Monsanto’s website . 4 Information about Genetically Modified foods and GMOs here on NaturalNews . About the author Aaron Turpen is a professional writer living in Wyoming in the USA. He is also the Director of Gateway’s Needy Animals, a local animal shelter and rescue in the eastern Wyoming area. His blog covers organic/sustainable living and environmental considerations at AaronsEnvironMental.com .

Dutch Cooperative Blurs Food Prejudices

In a Europe where conservative attitudes to farming are entrenched and hostility to genetically modified crops is sometimes obsessive, Food Valley is different.

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