GM Safety Studies reveal severe health issues in rats
by Jessica Harrison
GM Cropwatch technician and reporter
The republication of the chronic toxicity study on the glyphosate-based herbicide Roundup and
a commercial variety of genetically modified maize, Monsanto’s
NK603, led by Professor Gilles-Eric
Séralini is a good step forward in
understanding the effects of GMOs
and herbicides on our bodies. The
republication restores the study to
the peer-reviewed literature so that
it can be consulted and built upon
by other scientists.
The study found severe liver
and kidney damage and hormonal
disturbances in rats fed GM maize
and low levels of Roundup that are
below those permitted in drinking
water in Europe. Toxic effects were
found from the GM maize tested
alone, as well as from Roundup
tested alone and together with the
maize. Additional unexpected findings were higher rates of large tumours and mortality in most treatment groups.
The study was first published in
Food and Chemical Toxicology in
September 2012 but was retracted
by the editor-in-chief in November
2013 after a sustained campaign of
criticism and defamation by proGMO scientists.
This study has now successfully passed three rounds of rigorous
peer review by scientists. View
more HERE.
Steve Marsh appeals GM canola contamination case
Steve Marsh grew organic grain on his farm in Kojunup, Western Australia. In
2010, his neighbour’s GM canola crop blew over the fence, scattering the tiny
seeds over 2/3 of his land. The crop had been lying in the paddock, already cut
and ready for harvest. Steve’s organic certification was withdrawn, so he was unable to market his crops as organic. His only legal recourse was to take his neighbour to court. The judgement of the WA Supreme Court found against Steve that
the crop was a legally grown crop so no damages were payable. Steve Marsh is
appealling the decision against him in the WA Supreme Court. He lodged his appeal on 18th June and the appeal will be heard in the next six to twelve months
before the court of appeal made up of three judges. More information on the
case is available from www.safefoodfoundation.org
“Let us remember that Steve could lose his farm fighting for his right to farm
without the threat of GM crops blowing onto his farm every time his neighbour
chooses to plant next door to him,” said Scott Kinnear from the Safe Food Foundation.
“Win or lose, The Safe Food Foundation believes farmer protection legislation
is the appropriate way to sort out these market access issues rather than common law that is expensive, risky and comes at a great individual personal cost.
The Safe Food Foundation strongly supports organic farming as a far better way
to protect the environment in Australia and wants to see its adoption expanded
and not curtailed by contamination from GM.”
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