Corporate Terrorism? Let's stop the rot!

Over two years, the rat subjects experienced significant ill-health, gross tumour development and early death, thanks to Monsanto’s GMO strains of corn and their associated herbicide Roundup. Not surprisingly, Monsanto didn’t like what the studies showed, so what did they do? Created a brand new position on the editorial board of Food and Chemical Toxicology, installed one of their ex-scientists, who promptly ordered the study unfavourable to Monsanto's interests to be retracted. 

Well rather than dousing the debate around GMOs and Roundup, the retraction has fueled the fires. Indeed, quiet outrage has followed, since there is no evidence of fraud or poor science in the much-publicised Seralini study. Fortunately Seralini is no stranger to walking where others fear to tread, is sticking by his findings and is prepared to fight the retraction in court. 

But this latest drama in the evolution of “corporate terrorism” strikes at the heart of dedicated, committed, unbiased science (yes, some is still being conducted). But unless we take a firm stand and demand the return of unbiased, impartial, non-commercial science we are doomed to ill-health and the over-riding money-making, controlling interests of massive enterprises like Monsanto and the more generalised Big Pharma. The so-called "Science Journals" should be in our sights too - with multiple recent examples of published papers being nothing more than thinly disguised advertorials for new drugs. Take a moment to sign the petition.

Good gut news, but then the bad news...

While scientists are unravelling the profound benefits of healthy gut bacteria, much damage is being done courtesy of GMO produce. In the US, an up-coming debate will determine whether GMO-containing produce will require mandatory labeling across the country. Let’s hope common sense prevails and that public sentiment isn’t swayed by the very powerful and extremely well-funded GMO lobby, who insist on the safety of their produce despite all the findings to the contrary.

Dr. Don Huber, leading GMO expert in the world says there are several key factors we must be aware of. Huber is an award-winning, internationally recognized scientist, and professor of plant pathology at Purdue University for over 35 years. His concerns about GMO rest on the following issues.

1. There are NO peer-reviewed scientific studies establishing the long-term safety of GMO crops. They simply do not exist.
2. There is an identical rise in over 30 human diseases, correlating exactly with increasing use of glyphosate (the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup Ready - herbicide for GM and other crops) and the increased prevalence of genetically engineered proteins in foods.
3. Foods heavily sprayed with glyphosate have a lower nutrient density than conventional crops, they contain higher levels of pesticides, along with novel, highly allergenic proteins.
4. As well as chelating minerals, glyphosate is an antibiotic - destroying not only beneficial soil bacteria, but also the all-important gut bacteria that are the foundation of both physical and mental human health.
5. Not only do GMOs alter your intestinal microflora, research shows that human cells are able to transfer those novel genes, thereby affecting the human genome.
6. Glyphosate may also be responsible for the collapse of bee colonies.

In other words, the potential damage to human and plant systems from GMO crops is incalculable and ongoing. Therefore take whatever steps you can to legislate for mandatory labeling, better still campaign for complete non-use of GMO seeds and associated herbicides/pesticides. And vote with your dollars - BUY ORGANIC!

The snake oil that is GM...

A keynote speech from environment secretary Owen Paterson, urging the widespread adoption of genetically modified (GM) science and crops in Europe, drew both praise and criticism.

Sounds to me like Owen Paterson needs to get his head out of the sand and look beyond the orthodox dogma and hype provided by the likes of Bayer and Monsanto. The Soil Association replied to his blinkered view in the plainest possible terms, saying “we need farming that helps poor African and Asian farmers produce food, not farming that helps Bayer, Syngenta and Monsanto produce profits”.

Friends of the Earth head of policy, research and science was equally dismissive of Paterson’s address. He stated clearly ... “Where GM crops are grown, they are exacerbating the very intensive farming practices that are part of the problem. Ministers musty urgently get behind a different approach to food and farming that delivers real sustainable solutions rather than peddling the snake oil that is GM!”

You can read more on the very contentious issue of GM crops in my previous posts:

GM - a threat to wheat exports

Monsanto - taking a backward step?

"Roundup" - leads to toxic overload

Whole Foods markets - leading the charge against GM