By John David Van Hove
Editor’s Note: This summary is based on the research work of “Genetic Roulette & Seeds of Deception” by Jeffrey Smith and a presentation by Jack Leischman. GM = Genetically-Modified. GMO = Genetically-Modified-Organisms.
“Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are the result of laboratory processes which artificially insert foreign genes into the DNA of food crops or animals. Those genes may come from bacteria, viruses, insects, animals or even humans. Although banned by food manufacturers in Europe and elsewhere, the FDA does not require any safety evaluations. Most Americans say they would not eat GMOs if labeled, but the U.S. does not require labeling. GMOs are not safe, but have been in the food supply since 1996 and are now present in the vast majority of processed foods in the US.” – Responsible Technology
Major GM Crops & Health Concerns
Major GM crops include: a) Soy (91%); b) Corn (73%); c) Cotton (87%); d) Canola Oil (80%). All canola oil was genetically engineered from the rapeseed plant in Canada and imported to the USA. In summary, there are currently four major crops, two major traits, six countries and 2.4% of global agricultural land in production.
Major GM vegetables now on the market include: a) zucchini (50%); b) crookneck squash; c) Hawaiian papaya. GM peas and sugar have been introduced. 70% of all processed foods in USA have GM ingredients.
For your health and well–being avoid GMO’s and at-risk ingredients. Look for goods than are non–GMO labeled with non–GMO shopping guide.
Of the 28 million high-usage organic shoppers and 54 million temperate use organic shoppers in USA most are unaware of the importance of purchasing non-GMO ingredients including some organic foods which may include them. You can access the shopping guide at: www.responsibletechnology.org
Three Evaluation Questions
- How vigilant were you to avoid GM food when eating out?
- How vigilant were you this week week to avoid bringing GM food home?
- How active have ou been in educating people about GM foods?
Genetic Engineering
Cells are composed of a nucleus, mitochondria, chromosomes and DNA basepairs (nucleotides).
A Gene construct includes a regulatory sequence to turn the gene on or off, coding sequence, regulatory sequence to keep the gene on, plasmid backbone DNA and superfluous genetic material.
Genetic engineering must identify and isolate genes with desired traits. To create GM foods scientists then force animal/plant genes, anti-biotics, bacteria and/or viruses into other plant organisms. The gene has to be changed so it’ll still work in the target plant.
Plant cells must be prepared. Plant cells are transformed with a gene gun that shoots the intended gene into the cell or through bacterial infection process. Plant cells are then re-grown with the new genes through tissue transfer.
FDA Scientist Concerns
Many FDA scientists expressed concern over GM foods from the beginning of the approval process, but were summarily suppressed and ignored by the top policy makers (1992). Concerns included unexpected allergens, plant toxicants, new diseases and nutritional problems. Some of the truth has been revealed through leaks, whistleblowing and FOIA requests during lawsuits. For example, Dr. Arpad Pusztai was scapegoated for daring to reveal the truth of his research.
GMO’s were banned by the European Union because farmers were concerned they couldn’t sell their products to other non-GMO countries. USA farmers are now banned from selling to the European market.
Monsanto Products
The FlavrSavr Tomato was designed for a longer shelf-life, but rats refused to eat them. Other test animals also refused to eat the GM tomato. Apparently animals are smarter than humans. LibertyLink Corn. BT-Corn. Cows died after eating. Pigs and cows became sterile. Inhaled pollen created illness. BT-Cotton. Similar symptoms. Sheep died after grazing on BT-Cotton plants.
Five Problems
The process of creating a GM crop creates unpredictable changes in DNA and plant composition. Native genes are dropped with a 2-4% genetic variation in the original plant. Genes do not operate independently as is the scientific consensus. Genomes can be networked, thus changing one gene can affect others. Changes in the DNA alters the RNA, proteins and natural compounds. Proteins may be different than intended or multiple proteins created. Genes may mutate or be truncated, rearranged, read differently by the RNA.
Monsanto RoundUp Ready Plants
- Herbicide tolerance (73%); Pesticide production (18%); Crops with both traits (8%).
- There are more herbicide residues in herbicide-tolerant crops.
- BT-Spray Vs. BT-Toxin.
- Presumption of safety with BT-Toxin (bacteria gene).
- Human beings do react to BT-Toxin and it does survive digestion (unlike the scientific presumption).
- Gene transfer to bacteria (6 – 7# in gut) in human digestive tract is optimized.
- BT-Toxin is more highly concentrated and lasting than the BT-Spray.
Monsanto Roundup Ready Soy Has All Five Problems
- Disrupted DNA, damaged section near transgene, extra transgene fragments.
- Altered nutrients and increased allergens, anti–nutrients and lignon production.
- Reduced protein and some protein might be harmful.
- Increased herbicide use required due to increased tolerance.
- Gene transfer.
Genetic Mutations
Genetic mutations are highly likely in humans with a genome of 20,000 – 30,000 genes.
GMO Research and Assessment
None has been required by the FDA for approval and independent research is not available. All reseach has been based on biased industry studies.
Success Stories
- The European Union has banned all GM foods thanks in great part to the work of Dr. Arpad Pusztai and Jeffrey Smith.
- Milk products with rBGH growth hormone have been recently removed from the shelves of major retailers in the USA.
Liberty International News 