HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
OF
GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS
We are
confronted with what is the single most potent technology the world has ever
known. It is more powerful than atomic
energy. Yet it is being released throughout our environment with superficial or
no risk assessment. It has unparalleled powers to harm life and most worrying
part is that these harmful effects are going to be transmitted to future
generations. Modern GE started in Eighties. First
food product was Flavr Savr Tomato which was brought to the market in1993.
Large number of GM Foods followed. The list is becoming longer and longer.
But unfortunately these foods are being
rushed through without proper testing. Scientific Community is sharply divided
on the safety of these foods.
There are more than 1000
studies which clearly show that GM Foods are toxic to
n animals and humans
n Microbes in the soil
n Can destroy plant & animal
biodiversity
n Can destroy medicinal value of plants
This
presentation is based on these 1000 scientific studies taken from the
literature as reviewed and summarized by Jeffrey Smith in his book Genetic
Roulette. He has divided these studies into eight major sections and further 65
types of adverse effects on health and environment.
Jeffrey Smith has written two books about the
significant danger genetically modified (GM) foods pose to your health, and the
health of the entire planet. His first book, "Seeds of
Deception", is the world’s best selling book on the topic. His
second, "Genetic Roulette: The Documented Health
Risks of Genetically Engineered Foods", provides overwhelming
evidence that GMOs are unsafe and should never have been introduced.
He’s also the executive
director of the Institute for Responsible Technology, whose Campaign for Healthier Eating in America is designed to
create the tipping point of consumer rejection of GMOs, forcing them out of our
food supply. As a major force against GM
foods, Smith is responsible for limiting the spread of GM crops in the US, just like
others have successfully done in Europe.
In addition to his books he
has also created two videos: Hidden Dangers in Kids' Meals,
and Your Milk on Drugs, Just Say No.
(
I ) EVIDENCE OF REACTIONS IN ANIMALS AND
HUMANS :
1. GM Potatoes damaged rats:
Year- 1996- England--Arpad Pusztai--GM Potato-using Snowdrop Plant
Gene-which produces an insecticide called GNA
Lectin. Precancerous cell growth in digestive tract. Inhibited development of
brains, livers, testicles. Partial atrophy of liver. Enlarged-Pancreas-
Intestines. Immune system damage.
(
Arpad Pusztai, " Can science give us the tools for recognizing possible
health risks of GM foods," Nutrition and Health, 2002, Vol16 Pp 73-84)
2. Rats fed on GM tomatoes got bleeding
stomachs, several died:
Year 1993--USA--Three 28
day rat feeding studies on GM tomatoes by Calgene Company--7 out of 20
developed stomach lesions leading to bleeding.
(Department of Veterinary Medicine,FDA,
correspondence June 16 1993.
As quoted in Fred A. Hines, Memo to Dr. Linda Kahl. " Flavr Savr
Tomato:....Pathology Branch's Evaluation of Rats with Stomach Lesions From 3-4
week Oral Toxicity Studies.....an Expert Panel Report," Alliance for Bio-Integrity( June 16, 1993 )
http://www.biointegrity/FDAdocs/17/view1.html )
(
Arpad Pusztai, " Genetically Modified Foods: Are They a Risk to Human/
Animal Health." June 2001 Action Bioscience
http://www.actionbioscience.org/biotech/pusztai.html )
3.
Rats fed on Bt Corn had multiple health problems :
USA--90 day feeding study on rats on
GM (Bt) Corn--There were cellular changes in blood cells, livers and kidneys. A
study by Monsanto but analyzed by Gilles-Eric Seralini, a well known French
scientist.
(
John M. Burns, "13-Week Dietary Subchronic Comparison Study with MON863
Corn in Rats Preceded by a 1-Week Baseline Food Consumption Determination with PMI Certified Rodent Diet#5002," December 17,
2002. http://www.monsanto.com/monsanto/content/sci_tech/prod_safety/fullratstudy.pdf
) ( R.I. Vazquez-Padron et al."Cry1Ac Protoxin from Bacillus thuringiensis
sp. Kurstaki HD73 Binds to Surface Proteins in the Mouse Small Intestine,"
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 271 (2000):
4.
Mice fed on GM Bt Potatoes had intestinal damage :
Mice fed on GM Bt. Potatoes as well as Bt
Toxin sprayed potatoes. Both the groups showed abnormal and excessive cell
growth ileum. Regulators have allowed Bt food crops based on the assumption that
Bt toxin does not survive digestion in the stomach. They say that even if a
small portion survives, there are no receptors on the surface of mammalian
intestinal cells for Bt proteins-so they say Bt toxin can't harm mammalian
tissues. The results of this Mice Study has proved that Bt toxin can survive
digestion and can damage mammalian cells.
(
R.I. Vazquez Padron et.al."Cry1AcProtoxin from Bacillus thuringiensis sp.
Kurstaki HD73. Binds to Surface Proteins in the Mouse Small Intestine,"
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 271 (2000); 54-58.)
(Naggui
H.Fares, Adel K. El-Sayed," Fine structural Changes in the Ileum Fed on
Endotoxin Treated Potatoes and Transgenic Potatoes," Natural Toxins 6,
no.6 (1998);219-233.)
5.
Workers exposed to Bt Cotton developed allergies:
In 2004-05 in Madhya Pradesh
in India-Agricultural laborers in six villages who picked and loaded Bt Cotton
reported allergic reactions pertaining to skin, eyes and respiratory tract.
These workers had to take regular anti histaminics to work. Some of them had to
be hospitalized. One doctor who was interviewed treated 250 patients in one
season.
(Ashish
Gupta et al,"Impact of Bt Cotton on Farmers' Health (Barwani and Dhar
Distrct of Madhya Pradesh )," Investigation Report, Oct-Dec 2005 )
6.
Sheep died after grazing in Bt cotton fields :
In Warangal District of Andhra Pradesh-India President
of Indian Shephard Union noticed unusual autopsy reports of 11 sheep in the
register of District Animal Health Centre in Warangal which were conducted in the months
of February and March, 2006. Some notes were given about the deaths after
grazing in Bt Cotton Fields. The Union formed
a fact finding team to go into the details of the facts. In April, 2006 they
conducted interviews in four villages located 20-25 km apart from each other.
Total of 1820 sheep were recorded which had died after grazing in Bt Cotton
fields. In one village death rate was as high as 25% amongst 42 herds.
( "Mortality in Sheep Flocks after
Grazing on Bt Cotton Fields-Warangal District, Andhra Pradesh" Report of
the Preliminary Assessment, April 2006,
http://www.gmwatch.org/archive2.asp?arcid=6494)
7.
Inhaled Bt corn pollen triggered human sickness:--
In 2003 in Philippines 100
people living near Bt corn fields developed skin, respiratory and intestinal
reactions / symptoms while the corn was shedding pollen. Blood tests of 39
people showed antibody response to Bt-toxin. The symptoms reappeared in 2004 in
at least four other villages that planted the same corn variety. During the
study villagers attributed several animal deaths to the same corn.
("Genetically
Modified Crops and Illness Linked," Manilla Bulletin, 04 March 2004)
(
Mae-Wan Ho, GM Ban Overdue, Dozens Ill & Five Deaths in the Philippines,
"ISIS Press Release, June 2, 2006)
(Allen
V. Estabillo, "Farmers' Group Urges Ban on Planting Bt Corn; Says It Could
Be Cause of Illnesses," Mindanews, October 19,2004)
(The
Bt corn pollen symptoms are not identical to the others related to Bt. In
addition to some of the same problems, the Filipinos had headaches, stomach
aches, dizziness, diarrhea, vomiting, weakness and numbness. In addition, 9
horses, 4 water buffalos, and 37 chickens died after eating the corn. There
were also 5 unexplained human deaths)..
8.
Farmers report sterility in cows and pigs because of GM Corn:
More than 20 farmers in USA reported
that their cows and pigs which were fed on GM Corn had low fertility rate, had
pseudo pregnancies and delivered bags of water instead of fetuses.
(Jerry
Romson, personal communications,2006)
In Haryana,
India, a team
of investigating veterinarians report that buffalo consuming GM cottonseed
suffer from infertility, as well as frequent abortions, premature deliveries,
and prolapsed uteruses. Many adult and young buffalo have also died
mysteriously.
Russian
biologist Alexey V. Surov says,"Without detailed tests, no one can
pinpoint exactly what is causing the reproductive travesties in Russian
hamsters and rats, Italian and Austrian mice, and livestock (fed on GMOs) in
India and America. And we can only speculate about the relationship between the
introduction of genetically modified foods in 1996, and the corresponding
upsurge in low birth weight babies, infertility, and other problems among the US population.
But many scientists, physicians, and concerned citizens don't think that the
public should remain the lab animals for the biotech industry's massive
uncontrolled experiment.
9. Twelve cows in Germany died mysteriously when fed
Bt Corn:
(
Henning Strodthoff and Christoph Then,"Is GM maize responsible for deaths
of cows in Hesse?," Greenpeace Report,
Greenpeace e.V.22745 Hamburg,
2003.)
10.
Mice fed on Roundup Ready GM Soya showed Liver Damage:
The liver cells of mice fed
on GM Roundup Ready Soya in USA
showed microscopic signs of toxic liver (damage which disappeared after GM Soya
was stopped.
(M.
Malatesta, C. Caporaloni, S. Gavasaudan ....
," Ultrastructural Morphological and Immunocytochemical Analysis of
Hepatocyte Nuclear Modifications in Mice Fed on Genetically Modified
Soybean," Cell Struct. Funct. 27 (2002): 173-180 )
11.
Mice fed on GM Roundup Ready Soya showed Pancreatic Damage:
Mice fed on GM Roundup Ready
Soya showed changes in synthesis and processing of digestive enzymes.
Production of alpha-amylase, a major digestive enzyme dropped by 77%.
(M.
Malatesta, et. al.," Ultrastructural Analysis of Pancreatic Acinar Cells
from Mice Fed on Genetically Modified Soybean," Cell Struct. Funct. 27
(2002): 409 )
12.
Mice fed on Roundup Ready GM Soya showed changes in testicular cells :
( S.S Guraya, Biology of Spermatogenesis and
Spermatozoa in Mammals ( Springer Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York,
London, Paris, Tokyo, 1987),
(
L. Vecchio et. al. Ultrastructural Analysis of Testes from Mice Fed on Genetically
Modified Soybean," European Journal of Histochemistry 48, no. 4 (
Oct.-Dec. 2004) 449-454 )
13.
Roundup Ready GM Soya changed cell metabolism in rabbit organs :
Rabbits fed on GM Soya for about 40 days
showed significant differences in amounts of certain enzymes in their kidneys,
hearts and liver. A rise in LDH 1 levels in all three organs suggest an
increase in cellular metabolism. Changes in other enzymes point to other
alterations in the organs.
(
Tudisco et al, " Genetically Modified Soya Bean in Rabbit Feeding,
Detection of DNA Fragments and
Evaluation of Metabolic Effects by Enzymatic Analysis, 193-199 )
14. Most offspring of rats fed on Roundup Ready GM Soya died within three weeks
:
A study by Russian Academy
of Sciences in 2005. female rats were fed Roundup Ready GM Soya starting before
conception and pregnancy. 55.6% off springs died within three weeks compared to
9% in non-GM Soya controls. Some from GM group were significantly smaller than
non-GM group. Both mothers and pups were more aggressive. When offsprings from
GM group were mated together, they did not conceive.
(
I.V.Irmakova, "Diet with the Soya Modified by Gene EPSPS CP4 Leads to
Anxiety and Aggression in Rats," 14th Europian Congress of Psychiatry.
Nice, France,
March 4-8, 2006. )
( Irina Irmakova," Genetically Modified
Soya leads to decrease of weight and high mortality of rat pups of the first
generation. Preliminary Studies," Ecosinform 1 (2006) 4-9.
( I.V.Irmakova, "
Genetically Modified Organisms and Biological Risks," Proceedings of
International Disaster Reduction Conference (IDRC), Davos, Switzerland
August 27th-September 1st, 2006: 168-172. ( I.V.Irmakova, "GMO: Life
itself intervened into the experiments," Letter, EcosInform N2 (2006):
3-4.
Genetically Modified Soy Linked to Sterility, Infant
Mortality
" Russian biologist Alexey V. Surov
and his colleagues set out to discover if Monsanto's genetically modified (GM)
soy, grown on 91% of US soybean fields, leads to problems in growth or
reproduction. What he discovered may uproot a multi-billion dollar industry.
After feeding hamsters for two years over three generations, those on the GM
diet, and especially the group on the maximum GM soy diet, showed devastating
results. By the third generation, most GM soy-fed hamsters lost the ability to
have babies. They also suffered slower growth, and a high mortality rate among
the pups. And if this isn't shocking enough, some in the third generation even
had hair growing inside their mouths—a phenomenon rarely seen, but apparently
more prevalent among hamsters eating GM soy. The study, jointly conducted by
Surov's Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences
and the National Association for Gene Security, is expected to be published in
three months (July 2010)—so the technical details will have to wait. But Surov
sketched out the basic set up for me in an email--- Jeffery Smith
15.
Soya Allergies skyrocketed in UK, soon after GM Soya was introduced :
In 1999, Soya allergies in U
K jumped from 10% to 15% of the sample population. GM Soya was imported into
the country shortly before 1999. Tests reveal that some individuals react
differently to GM and Non-GM Soya.
(Marktownsend," Why Soya is a hidden
destroyer," Letter EcosInform N2(2006):3-4)( Hye-Yung Yum et. al.,"
Genetically modified and Wild Soybeans: An immunologic comparison,"
Allergy and Asthma Proceedings 26, no. 3 (May-June 2005): 210-216(7).)
16
: Rats fed on Roundup Ready Canola had heavier livers :
The livers of rats fed on GM
Canola were12-16% heavier than those fed on Non-GM Canola. Liver is a chemical
factory and primary detoxifier for the body. Heavier liver may indicate liver
disease or inflammation.
(
Comments to ANZFA about
Applications A346, A362 and A363 from the Food Legislation and regulation
Advisory Group (FLRAG) of the Public Health Association of Australia ( PHAA )
on behalf of the PHAA, "Food produced from glyphosate-tolerant canola line
GT73, " http://www.iher.org.au/ )
17 : Twice the number of chicken died when fed
:
Chickens were fed GM Corn
for 42 days. Death Rate in GM group was 7% while it was 3.5% in Non GM Group.
Weight gain was also less in GM group.
(
S. Leeson, " The Effect of Glufosinate Resistant Corn on Growth of Male
Broiler Chicken, "Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, University of
Guelph, Report No.A56379,July 12, 1996.)
18
: GM Peas generated an allergic-type inflammatory
response in mice :
GM Peas generated a
dangerous immune response in mice. Commercialization of GM Peas was cancelled.
(
V.E. Presscot, et.al., Transgenic Expression of Bean r-Amylase Inhibitor in
Peas Results in Altered Structure and Immunogenicity," Journal of
Agricultural Food Chemistry (2005):53.)
19 : Eyewitness
Reports: Animals Avoid GMOs :
When given the choice,
several animals avoid GMO Food. Animals that avoid GM Food include cows, pigs,
geese, squirrels, deer, mice etc.
(
Mark Newhall, " He Says Geese Don't Like Roundup Ready Beans," Farm
Show 24, no. 5 (2000) plus Twelve more studies
quoted by Jeffrey Smith in his book Genetic Roulette-bibliography-PART-1,
SECTION 1 No. 110-124).
20
: GM Food Supplement killed about 100
people and caused 5000-10000 to fall sick:
One GM Food Supplement
L-Tryptophan killed 100 people in USA. The Company genetically
engineered bacteria to produce the supplement more economically. In 1989, dozens of Americans died and several thousands
were afflicted and impaired by a genetically modified version of
the food supplement L-tryptophan creating a debilitating ailment known as Eosinophilia Myalgia syndrome (EMS) . A
settlement of $2 billion dollars was paid by the manufacturer. Showa Denko, Japan's third largest chemical
company destroyed
evidence preventing a further
investigation
( A.N. Mayeno and G. J. Gleich, eds," Eosinophilia- Myalgia
Syndrome and Tryptophan Production: A Cautionary Tale." Trends Biotechnol
12 (1994): 346-352.)--also--www.seedsofdeception.com
( James Maryanski, FDA Biotechnology Coordinator, speaking to
investigator William E. Crist's,"The Toxic L-Tryptophan Epidemic,"
see www.seedsofdeception.com/Public/L-tryptophan/index.cfm )
( National Eosinophilia- Myalgia Syndrome Network, position
statement, approved quoted by Gerald J.Gleich, Mayo Clinic and Foundation,May 25, 2000. )
( Edwin M.Kilbourne, et al," Tryptophan Producedby Shova
Denko Epidemic Eosinophilia- Myalgia Syndrome,"Journal of Rheumatology
Supplement 23, no. 46 (October, 1996): 81-92. )
(
II ) GENE INSERTION DISRUPTS THE DNA :
The
process of Genetic Engineering results into wide spread mutations--in the
transgene--in the neighboring DNA
and in other areas of genome. These mutations are far greater than previously
thought. These mutations can lead to generation of new toxins, allergies and
altered nutritional values. The arguments of GM advocates that the technology
is precise, predictable and safe has now been disproved.
21
: Foreign Genes disrupt the DNA at the insertion site:
(Ten
studies quoted by Jeffrey Smith in his book Genetic Roulette-bibliography-PART-1,
SECTION 2 No. 5-14.)
22
: Growing GM Crops using tissue culture can create hundreds or thousands of DNA mutations throughout the genome:
Process of growing plant
cells into GM plants may create large number of mutations.
(Ten
studies quoted by Jeffrey Smith in his book Genetic Roulette-bibliography-PART-1,
SECTION 2 No.15-24.)
23
: Gene insertion creates genome-wide changes:
Gene insertion creates genome-wide
changes and many of the changes are totally unpredictable. These massive
changes may induce drastic changes in the plants with serious health impacts.
(
Eight studies quoted by Jeffrey Smith in his book Genetic
Roulette-bibliography-PART-1, SECTION 2 No.25-32.)
24
: The promoter may accidentally switch
on harmful genes :
Promoter is a switch meant
to turn on the transgene. Now it has been proved that it can also switch on natural
dormant genes. This may produce a protein which is toxin, allergen, carcinogen
or antinutrient.
(Five
studies quoted by Jeffrey Smith in his book Genetic
Roulette-bibliography-PART-1, SECTION 2 No.33-37)
25
: The promoter may switch on a dormant
virus in plants:
It is well known that when certain
viruses infect an organism they splice themselves in the host DNA. These viral sequences can be passed on to next
generations. These embedded viral sequences get mutated over time and some may
be intact also. If GM promoter is inserted in the vicinity of the dormant
virus, it might switch it on resulting in virus production. This can result
into a catastrophe.
(M.W.Ho
and J. Cummins," Hazards of transgenic plants containing the cauliflower
mosaic viral promoter: Authors' reply to critiques of " The Cauliflower
Mosaic Viral Promoter-a Recipe for Disaster," Microbial Ecology in Health
and Disease 12, no. 1, (26
September 2000):6-11)
26
: The promoter might create genetic
instability and mutations:
Evidence suggests that the
CaMV promoter, contains a recombination hotspot. It may result in breakup and
recombination of gene sequences. This instability can create unpredictable
results.
(Five
studies quoted by Jeffrey Smith in his book Genetic
Roulette-bibliography-PART-1, SECTION 2 No.39-44)
27
: Genetic Engineering activates mobile DNA called Transposons which generate mutations :-
In plant DNA mobile elements called transposons move from
place to place and can lead to mutations. The tissue culture process used in
genetic engineering activates transposons, and is a major factor for
genome-wide mutations. Transgene in GM crops tend to be inserted near
transposons leading to undesirable expression.
(Four
studies quoted by Jeffrey Smith in his book Genetic
Roulette-bibliography-PART-1,SECTION 2 No.45,46,47and 49)
28
: Novel RNA may be harmful to humans and
their offspring :
Small RNA sequences can
regulate gene expression. RNA is stable, survives digestion and can impact gene
expression in mammals that ingest it. The impact can be passed on to future
generations. Genetic modification introduces new DNA
combinations and mutations, which increase the likelihood that harmful
regulatory RNA will be accidentally produced.
(Twenty
four studies quoted by Jeffrey Smith in his book Genetic
Roulette-bibliography-PART-1, SECTION 2 No. 50-73)
29
: Roundup Ready Soybeans produce unintentional
RNA variations :
A "stop signal" is placed after the
transgene. The "stop" is ignored in GM Soya, resulting in longer than
intended RNA, transcribed from a combination of the transgene, an adjacent
transgene fragment and a mutated sequence of DNA.
The RNA is further rearranged into four variations any of which may be harmful.
The faulty "stop" signal may have triggered the rearrangements. The
same "stop" signal is used in other crops which may lead to similar
unwanted effects.
(Nine
studies quoted by Jeffrey Smith in his book Genetic
Roulette-bibliography-PART-1, SECTION 2 No.74-82)
30:
Genetically Modified proteins can alter natural chemicals in plants:
Plants
produce thousands of chemicals which, if eaten may fight disease. Genome
changes can alter the composition and concentration of these chemicals. The
changed proteins may be poorer in nutrients or act as toxins. GM Soybeans, for
example produce less cancer fighting isoflavones. Most of such GM induced
changes in these natural products go undetected. A highly rich heritage of
Medicinal Plants of India can be destroyed in this process.
(Twenty
studies quoted by Jeffrey Smith in his book Genetic
Roulette-bibliography-PART-1, SECTION 2 No.83-102)
31 : GM
Crops have altered levels of nutrients and toxins :
Numerous studies on GMOs
reveal unintended changes in nutrients, toxins, allergens and other small
molecules. These demonstrate the risks associated with unintended and
unpredictable changes that occur due to genetic engineering.
(Fifty
two studies quoted by Jeffrey Smith in his book Genetic
Roulette-bibliography-PART-1, SECTION 2 No.103-154)
(
III ) THE PROTEINS PRODUCED BY
TRANSGENE MAY CREATE PROBLEMS:
32
: A gene from a Brazil Nut carried
allergies into soybeans :
A gene from Brazil Nut
was inserted into soybeans. Tests verified that people allergic to Brazil Nuts
would react to the GM Soya. The project was cancelled. The research verified that genetic engineering
can transfer allergic proteins into crops. In 1996, Brazil nut genes were spliced into soybeans to provide the added protein methionine by Pioneer
Hi-Bred. Some individuals, however, are so allergic to this nut, they can go
into anaphylactic shock (similar to a severe bee sting reaction) which can lead
to death. Avoiding GM Allergens is impossible because people allergic to
certain food item avoid that food by reading the label, but GM foods are being
sold without labeling in USA
and other countries. Imagine the situation as to what could have happened if
the GM Soya containing Brazil Nut gene was released into the market as large
number of food items contain soybeans.
(
Six studies quoted by Jeffrey Smith in his book Genetic
Roulette-bibliography-PART-1, SECTION 3 No.1-6)
33
: GM proteins in Soya, corn and papaya
may be allergens :
Tests cannot guarantee that
a GM protein will not cause allergies. The WHO and FAO criteria to approve GM
crops have been ignored in the case of soybean, corn and papaya. The GM
proteins from these foods are too similar to known allergens. This evidence was
ignored and these have been approved.
(
Seventeen studies quoted by Jeffrey Smith in his book Genetic
Roulette-bibliography-PART-1, SECTION 3 No.7-23)
GM
soy might increase allergies in number of ways.
*
The impaired digestion might increase
allergic response to many proteins.
* The new allergen created by the GM process
might cause reactions. There is up to a sevenfold increase in the allergen
trypsin inhibitor in cooked soy.
* GM soy has higher levels of herbicide
residues, which might also trigger reactions.
* The Roundup Ready protein has properties of a
known allergen.
* In addition, since the soy transgene
transfers to human gut bacteria and continues to produce this protein, it is possible
that we have an allergen being continuously produced by our own intestinal
flora.
34
: Bt Crops may create allergies and illness :--
Soil bacteria (Bt) create a natural pesticide
that has been used in spray form for years. Genes from bacteria are inserted
into crop DNA-so the plant
produces Bt-toxin. Approvals of Bt crops are based on the claim that the spray
is harmless and Bt toxin does not react with mammals. In reality, Bt spray is
linked to allergies and illness in
humans and mammals
( Twenty studies quoted by Jeffrey Smith in
his book Genetic Roulette-bibliography-PART-1, SECTION 3 No.24-43)
35 :
The Bt in crops is more toxic than the Bt in spray :
The
Bt in GM Crops is more harmful than Bt spray due to differences in the
concentration and form of the protein. Bt spray is used intermittently and it
degrades in the environment. Bt-toxin in crops is thousands of times more
concentrated and is continuously produced in every plant cell. The form of the
Bt-toxin protein in GM crops is also more toxic.
(Eight
studies quoted by Jeffrey Smith in his book Genetic
Roulette-bibliography-PART-1, SECTION 3 No.44-51)
36 :
StarLink corn's built-in pesticide has a medium likelihood of being an
allergen :
StarLink corn was declared potentially
allergenic by US EPA, hence was approved only for animal feed. But there was
some contamination of human food supply in USA. Thousands reported health
effects including life threatening episodes. There were massive food recalls.
In countries like India
the situation is even more dangerous because it is impossible to isolate animal
and human food.
(Eleven
studies quoted by Jeffrey Smith in his book Genetic
Roulette-bibliography-PART-1, SECTION 3 No.52-62)
37 : Pollen-sterilizing Barnase in GM crops
may cause kidney damage :
Corn and Canola are
engineered to produce a pollen sterilizing toxin called Barnase. Barnase is
toxic to human cells and causes kidney damage in rats.
(Eleven
studies quoted by Jeffrey Smith in his book Genetic Roulette-bibliography-PART-1,
SECTION 3 No.63-72)
38 : High Lysine GM Corn contains increased toxins
and may retard growth :
Monsanto produced corn with
higher levels of Lysine. If consumed in high quantities, the elevated lysine
may adversely affect human health in unpredictable ways. The corn was also
found to contain increased amounts of known toxins and other potentially
harmful substances. The growth rate of chickens fed on high-lysine corn was
less than those fed on Non-GM Corn.
(Nine
studies-Jeffrey Smith--Genetic Roulette-bibliography-PART-1, SECTION 3
No.73-81)
39 : Cooking High Lysine Corn may create
disease-promoting toxins :
GM Corn variety engineered to produce high
levels of Lysine, when cooked and processed may produce toxic compounds associated
with symptoms of Alzheimer's, Diabetes, Allergies, Kidney Disease, Cancer and
Aging.
(Twenty
three studies-Jeffrey Smith-Genetic Roulette-bibliography-PART-1,SECTION 3
No.82-104)
40 : Disease-resistant crops may promote human
viruses and other diseases :
Viral genes inserted into disease-resistant
crops produce "viral" proteins. Consuming these may suppress the
body's defense against viral infections. The proteins may also be toxic and
lead to disease. Viral Transgenes produce RNA that might influence gene
expression in humans in unpredictable ways.
(
Nine studies-Jeffrey Smith-- Genetic Roulette-bibliography-PART-1, SECTION 3
No.105-113)
(
IV )The foreign protein may be different than what is intended:
There are four ways in
which, the structure of the protein can influence its function and the
resultant impact on health:
i) amino acid sequence of
the protein
ii) how the protein is
folded
iii) how proteins interact
and create aggregate shapes
iv) content, shape and
location of other molecules such as sugars, phosphates or lipids that become attached
to the proteins.
Studies have shown that during
the process of Genetic Engineering all these alterations take place in
unpredictable ways.
41
: GM proteins may be misfolded or have
added molecules :
Proteins expressed in a GM
Plant may be processed differently than in the donor organism. The changes may
include misfolding or molecular attachments-can be harmful in unpredicted ways.
Consumption of GM crops with misfolded proteins could trigger diseases,
since they survive digestion and are
distributed throughout the body. The expression may take decades to appear. One
of the most well known examples of dangerous misfolded proteins are prions (proteinaceous infectious
particles), responsible for Mad Cow Disease ( Bovine spongiform Encephalopathy)
and deadly Creutzfeld-Jacob Disease in humans. Current studies don't test
adequately for these changes.
(Jeffrey Smith --Genetic
Roulette-bibliography-PART-1, SECTION 4 No. 1-12)
42 : Transgenes may be altered during
insertion :
During insertion, the transgene may become
truncated, rearranged or interspersed with extraneous pieces of DNA. This altered transgene may produce proteins
with unpredictably harmful effects.
(Jeffrey
Smith --Genetic Roulette-bibliography-PART-1, SECTION 4 No. 13-29)
43
: Transgene may be unstable and rearrange over time :
At least two studies showed
that the sequence of inserted genes was different than what was described by
the company. This suggests that transgenes are unstable and spontaneously
rearrange. Such changes can have unpredictable consequences for health. Thus
safety assessments conducted on the original protein do not apply to changed
version.
(Jeffrey
Smith --Genetic Roulette-bibliography-PART-1, SECTION 4 No. 30-41)
44
: Transgene may create more than one protein :
Genetic Engineering
Technology was created based on the outmoded notion that a single gene will create only a single
protein. Due to a process called alternative splicing, a single gene can produce
many different proteins.
(Jeffrey
Smith --Genetic Roulette-bibliography-PART-1, SECTION 4 No. 42-44)
45
: Environmental Stress and genetic disposition can significantly change gene
expression :
Environmental factors,
natural and man-made substances and genetic disposition of a particular plant
can influence levels of transgene expression and can cause unique health
effects.
(Twelve
sdudies--Jeffrey Smith --Genetic Roulette-bibliography-PART-1, SECTION 4 No.
45-56)
46
: Genetic Engineering ignores and disrupts complex relationship in the DNA :
The GM transformation
process can disrupt networks of genes that function together. Synthetic
transgenes may act different than natural ones. Multiple transgenes may
interact in unpredicted ways.
(Five
studies--Jeffrey Smith --Genetic Roulette-bibliography-PART-1, SECTION 4 No.
57-61)
( V ) TRANSFER OF GENES TO
GUT BACTERIA, INTERNAL ORGANS OR VIRUSES:
This has now been
established that transgenes jump from GM crops to gut and soil bacteria. The
results may be disastrous.
47
: Transgenes survive the digestive system and can wander :
The advocates of GM based
industry claimed that genes were destroyed during digestion and therefore gene
transfer to gut bacteria will not happen. Studies now prove that genes survive digestion
both in humans and animals. Not only that it has now been proved that from gut
genes can pass on to blood, various organs, can cross blood brain barrier and
reach the fetus through placenta.
(Fourteen
studies--Jeffrey Smith --Genetic Roulette-bibliography-PART-1, SECTION 5 No.
3-16)
48 :
Transgene design facilitates transfer into gut bacteria :
Natural genes are likely to get transferred
between species and even kingdoms. But it is uncommon. Transgenes are especially
suited to overcome this barrier of transfer. Short bacterial sequences and
higher herbicide residues significantly increase the transfer rate. Thus
transgenes may readily travel from GM food to gut bacteria.
(Nine
studies--Jeffrey Smith --Genetic Roulette-bibliography-PART-1, SECTION 5 No.
17-25)
49:Transgene
may proliferate in gut bacteria over the long-term:
Once transferred into gut
bacteria, these bacteria with transgene may be at a survival advantage. The
reasons may be -- antibiotic and herbicide resistance, promoters that function
in bacteria and genetic mechanisms that promote uncontrolled replication.
Having infected our gut bacteria, the foreign genes and the proteins they
create may be harmful.
(Five
studies--Jeffrey Smith --Genetic Roulette-bibliography-PART-1, SECTION 5 No.
26-30)
50 : Transgene transfer to human gut bacteria
is confirmed :
The only human trial ever
published confirmed that genetic material from Roundup Ready Soya is
transferred into the gut bacteria in three of the seven human volunteers. The
transferred portion of the transgene was stable inside the bacteria and
appeared to produce herbicide-tolerant protein. There is no known way to treat
such a condition, which may be long term.
(Six
studies--Jeffrey Smith --Genetic Roulette-bibliography-PART-1, SECTION 5 No.
31-36)
51 : GM Foods might create antibiotic
resistant diseases :
Antibiotic Resistant Marker
(ARM) genes have been inserted
into most GM foods on the market. If ARM
genes are transferred to pathogenic bacteria inside the gut or mouth, they might
create super diseases, untreatable with
one or more types of antibiotics. GM crops may accelerate the rise of
antibiotic-resistant illnesses, which are already responsible for death and
disease.
(Twenty
one studies-Jeffrey Smith -Genetic Roulette-bibliography-PART-1,SECTION 5 No.37-57)
52
:The Promoter can also get transferred and may switch on random genes or
viruses :
Contrary to earlier
assumptions, the Ca MV Promoter does function in human, animal and bacteria DNA. This promoter does transfer into the DNA of human gut bacteria and might also transfer
into human DNA. Once transferred,
it may switch on genes that produce-- toxins, allergens or carcinogens; create
genetic instability and in higher organisms switch on dormant viruses.
(Twenty
one studies-Jeffrey Smith -Genetic Roulette-bibliography-PART-1,SECTION 5 No.58-71)
53 : If
Bt genes transfer into gut bacteria, they can turn into living pesticide
factories :
Transfer of Bt Transgene can
cause our gut flora to produce Bt toxin. With increased exposure to Bt crops,
the number of gut bacteria producing Bt toxin may increase over time. Since Bt
toxin has been associated with immune responses and damaged cells in animal
intestines, long term exposure may cause significant health problems.
(Two
studies--Jeffrey Smith --Genetic Roulette-bibliography-PART-1, SECTION 5 No. 72
and73)
54
: Genes may transfer to bacteria in the
mouth or throat :
Bacteria in the mouth can
take up free DNA. GM DNA might similarly transfer from food. Breathing
dust or pollen from GM crops might cause genes to transfer to microorganisms in
the respiratory tract. These might impact health and possibly pass from person
to person.
(Six
studies--Jeffrey Smith --Genetic Roulette-bibliography-PART-1, SECTION 5 No.
74-79)
55
: Transfer of viral genes into gut
microorganisms may create toxins and weaken viral defenses :
Proteins produced from
viruses can be toxic and disable viral defenses. If viral genes from GM crops
transferred to gut microorganisms, they might produce large quantities of
potentially harmful proteins. Viral transgene characteristics make transfer to
gut microorganisms much more likely.
(
VI ) GM CROPS MAY INCREASE
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS AND
BIOACCUMULATE TOXINS IN THE FOOD
CHAIN :
GM crops are becoming part
of the ecosystem. If toxins are used or produced in the process of GM crop
production they are bound to accumulate in the environment, food chain and
human tissues.
56
: Glufosinate-tolerant crops may produce herbicide inside our intestines :
Some crops are engineered to
withstand glufosinate-based herbicide. The herbicide tolerant GM crops
transform the herbicide into a compound regarded as nontoxic, called NAG, which
remains in the plant. Once humans or animals consume NAG, gut bacteria can
revert some NAG back into toxic herbicide. The herbicide has known toxic
effects-act as an antibiotic and may kill off or disturb gut micro-flora. If
the herbicide-tolerant gene transfers to gut bacteria, it could magnify the
problems.
(Twenty
three studies-Jeffrey Smith-Genetic Roulette-bibliography-PART-1,SECTION 6 No.1-23)
57
: Herbicide-tolerant crops increase herbicide use and residues in food :
Herbicide-tolerant crops
increase the use of their associated herbicides. Increased herbicide residues
in crops can promote the toxic effects of these chemicals on humans, animals
and their offspring. Increased herbicide use can also alter nutrient
content-such as flavonoids, making GM foods less nutritious. The accelerated
emergence of herbicide resistant weeds has resulted in the increased use of
even more toxic varieties of herbicides.
(Twenty
four studies-Jeffrey Smith -Genetic Roulette-bibliography-PART-1,SECTION 6 No.23-48)
58:Tiny amounts of herbicide may act as
endocrine disruptors :
Certain chemicals may
disrupt endocrine function at extremely low concentrations. Research on Roundup
suggests it may be such a chemical, disrupting endocrine activity related to
human sex hormone production. The increased use of Liberty and Roundup, due to GM crops, may
expose the population through food and water to these low-dose effects.
(Five
studies--Jeffrey Smith --Genetic Roulette-bibliography-PART-1, SECTION 6 No.
49-53)
59
: GM crops may accumulate environmental toxins or concentrate toxins in milk
and meat of GM fed animals :
FDA scientists warned that GM crops may concentrate toxins,
such as heavy metals and herbicides, from the environment. There is evidence of
heavy metals in GM soybean oil. FDA scientists also said that toxins in GM feed
might concentrate in milk or meat. GM DNA
fragments were found in milk. Small amounts of Roundup may be retained in the
body of animals and affect sperm quality. The overuse of Roundup and Liberty herbicides on GM
crops magnifies these types of risks. Many scientific studies indicate that these herbicides are even worse than DDT.
Roundup, can accumulate and persist in the soil for
years, where it kills off beneficial microbes and stimulates virulence of
pathogens
(Fifteen
studies--Jeffrey Smith --Genetic Roulette-bibliography-PART-1, SECTION 6 No.
54-68)
60 : Disease-resistant crops may promote new
plant viruses, which carry risks for humans :
Virus-resistant
transgenes protect crops from one target virus, but may increase susceptibility
to other plant viruses. Infected plants put humans at risk due to increased
pesticide use. They may also lead to increased consumption of potentially
harmful viral proteins.
(Eleven studies--Jeffrey Smith --Genetic
Roulette-bibliography-PART-1, SECTION 6 No. 69-79)
(
VII ) OTHER TYPES OF GM FOODS
CARRY RISKS :
61
: Milk from rbGH-treated cows may
increase risk of cancer and other diseases :
Monsanto's genetically
engineered bovine growth hormone is injected into dairy cows in USA to increase
milk production. Milk from treated cows has much higher levels of IGF-1, a
hormone considered to be a high risk factor for breast, prostrate, colon, lung
and other cancers. The milk also has lowered nutritional value, increased
antibiotics and more pus from infected udders.
(Twenty
five studies-Jeffrey Smith -Genetic Roulette-bibliography-PART-1,SECTION 7 No.
1-25)
62 : Milk from rbGH-treated cows is
likely to increase the rate of twin births :
Higher
IGF-1 levels increase the rate of twin births. Since milk drinkers increase
their IGF-1, correspondingly they have higher twinning rates. The number of
twins grew at twice the rate in USA
compared to UK
where rbGH is banned.
(Fourteen
studies--Jeffrey Smith --Genetic Roulette-bibliography-PART-1, SECTION 7 No.
26-39)
63 : Food additives created from GM microorganisms
pose health risks :
Certain
food ingredients and processing agents are derived from GM bacteria, fungus or
yeast. Even if the transgene is not found in the food, the GM process still
carries risks. The GM protein may be unhealthy, have altered properties or
react with other compounds in unpredictable ways. The gene insertion process
might also disrupt normal gene expression of the microorganisms.
(Fourteen
studies--Jeffrey Smith --Genetic Roulette-bibliography-PART-1, SECTION 7 No.
40-45)
(
VIII ) RISKS ARE GREATER FOR
FETUS, NEWBORNS AND CHILDREN :
64 : Pregnant mothers eating GM foods may
endanger off spring:
Embryo
developing in the mother's womb can be adversely affected by tiny amounts of
substances in the mother's diet. A
pregnant mother's diet may even alter gene expression in children and be passed
on to future generations. GM crops may contain substances that impact normal
fetal development.
(Twelve
studies--Jeffrey Smith --Genetic Roulette-bibliography-PART-1, SECTION 8 No.
1-12)
65 : GM foods are more dangerous for
children than adults :
Children
are in general more susceptible to toxins, allergens and nutritional problems.
They consume more milk, which may be from animals fed on GM crops or may have
been treated with GM rbGH. Recurrent infections are more common in children.
They can be gravely affected if the antibiotic resistant infections are
prevalent in the community.
(Thirteen studies--Jeffrey Smith
--Genetic Roulette-bibliography-PART-1, SECTION 8 No. 13-25)
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF ENGINEERED CROPS
The Ecological Risks of Engineered Crops,
genetically modified crops pose six kinds of potential risks.
1. The engineered crops themselves could
become weeds, a broad term that covers plants with undesirable effects.
2. The crops might serve as conduits through
which new genes move to wild plants, which could then become weeds.
3. The crops engineered to produce viruses
could facilitate the creation of new, more virulent or more widely spread
viruses.
4.The plants engineered to express
potentially toxic substances could present risks to other organisms like birds
or deer.
5.The crops may initiate a perturbation that
may have effects that ripple through an ecosystem in ways that are difficult to
predict.
6.The crops might threaten centers of crop
diversity.
VISIBLE
IMPACTS UPTO NOW :
1. Monarch butterflies
is disappearing because of Bt corn:
2. Resistant pests
are emerging-leading to excessive use, the use of more costly and more toxic
pesticides. Reports of super pests have already started appearing.
For
example-Recombinant papaya ringspot virus has become resistant in genetically
modified papaya.
3.Herbicide
Resistant Weeds are coming up-leading to excessive use, use of more costly and
more toxic weedicides. The studies indicating the appearance of super weeds
have started pouring in.
4. Pollution on Non- GM plants with GM Pollens- what is called GM
pollution is happening in a big way. There is lot of hue and cry and even court
cases in USA
about the pollution of Non-GM plants with GM pollens.
CONCLUSIONS
By introducing GM Crops;
human health, animal health, biodiversity and environment; all have been
endangered. MNCs are gambling to earn fast buck. It is basically corporate
greed which is the engine behind the pushing of GM crops one after the other. It is
based on incomplete and primitive knowledge of genetics which is continuously
changing. Understanding of DNA is
still at an infancy stage. Functioning of nature and human body is highly complex.
Equally complex is the functioning of DNA
which is the creating and controlling molecule behind all types of biology. It
is really amazing how this molecule orchestrates life. We are still at a stage
where our understanding in this regard is rapidly shifting every few years. It
is highly arrogant to insist that we have sufficient knowledge to make
artificial permanent changes that can gravely affect the health of living
beings and environment.
Multi
National Companies insist that the benefits are so great that it is worth
taking risk. But question arises, who benefits and who is at risk ? The MNCs
developing and selling seeds and other related inputs and some big farmers
benefit in term of money but every one is
at risk including those working for MNCs and farmers. The greatest danger is
the health. It is very difficult to test for long term ill effects GM foods on
health. They are visible after many years. They resemble other chronic diseases
and in the presence of large number of other environmental toxins, it is almost
impossible to say how much is the contribution of GM food. The GM foods are not being labeled. That
complicates the situation further. For the last few decades; diabetes, asthma,
allergies, acid-peptic disease, autoimmune disorders, cancers, hypertension and
blood vessel diseases, reproductive disorders and impaired immunity all are
rapidly increasing. A similar trend is being seen in the cattle.
In light
of these facts, GMOs have been banned/ restricted in almost whole of Europe. In North America
the resistance is building up. There is a great demand to label GM foods. But
US Government is adamant because they know the moment they are labeled their
sale will drastically come down. US exports are suffering because Europe refuses to accept GM foods. As more and more
people are learning about ill effects of GM foods they are shifting to organic
foods. GM Bovine Growth Hormone used in cows has been banned in Canada after
huge public debate. Fearing the unsafe food available in the market people in Europe are campaigning to popularize back yard organic
kitchen garden. Those who can afford try to buy organic foods.
In India we have
not allowed the cultivation of GM crops except cotton. The attempts to bring Bt
Brinjal has been thwarted for the time being. But Monsanto and other MNCs seem
to be bent upon bringing large number of
GM crops into our country. There are indications that unlabelled GM foods are
coming to India
from outside. Let us build an awareness based of scientific truths. Let us
prevent the entry of GM crops. Let us build better alternatives. We can build
it. Farmers along with support from agricultural scientists has proved that
organic/ natural/ chemical and GM free
farming is not only at par with chemical/GM model, it is much better in every
aspect. FAO has also endorsed these conclusions. In India our farmers and pro-organic
agriculture scientists have proved the superiority of organic farming. In Punjab we have limited experience, but results are highly
encouraging. Let us raise our voice against the vested interests of corporate
sector, which is bent upon destroying our food, environment and biodiversity.
They are the messengers of death. Let us stop them from destroying life on this
planet.
Dr. Amar Singh Azad
79- Doctors
Colony,
Bhadson Road, Patiala
azadamarsingh@gmail.com
Phone:
09872861321
Washington:
Noting that India is increasingly getting concerned about China's
posture on its border, a top U.S. intelligence official on Wednesday
said that the Indian Army is strengthening itself for a "limited
conflict" with China.
