Fact-checking about GMO foods

In the last few decades, many Americans have been suffering from an increase in rate of chronic diseases. The truth is that our diet and chosen lifestyle can be the main factor affecting our health and well-being.

Many of us are so busy to hold on to our jobs, pay our monthly bills and take care of our families that we hardly even notice that we might be shopping and feeding our families with foods that are depleted from nutrients or worse are poisonous. Most of these foods, inclduing GMOs are toxic and are chaning people's DNA at the cellular level.

What is genetic engineering?

In genetic engineering scientists take the gene of one specie and insert it into the DNA of another specie. For example cow genes have been inserted into Pig’s DNA in order to increase milk production. There are two major GMO crops, the herbicide tolerant crops and the pesticide producing crops. The herbicide tolerant crops are sprayed with herbecides that won’t kill plants but kill pests and insects. However the pesticide producing crops produce their own toxic insecticides that kill pests by breaking their stomach.

Genetic engineering a dangerous interference with Mother Nature:

It took million years of evolution for Mother Nature to do things in a certain way and not to mix and match different DNA and genes. Over the course of million years of evolution, scientists agree that even slight variation or slight mishaps could have resulted in humanity not existing on the planet. Our evolution has been a very precise and calculated phenomenon without any room for error. Now scientists and large corporations are playing god with people's lives and the life of other specie. The genetically modified genes and new organisms are not a part of the evolution and therefore we cannot predict how they will evolve and change our habitat and the food chain that we so much depend on.

There are even more alarming hazards. While inserting genes into DNA of a plant or an animal (for its modification), a virus or a bacteria is also inserted in order to turn on the gene. The whole process of creating a foreign DNA through bacteria insertion could result in mutation and changes at the cellular level which could have unforeseen consequences. It took million of years of evolution for our bodies to digest foods with certain DNA sequence. When our body is exposed to food with a new DNA sequence, our immune system will attack it and treat it as a foreign invader.

This is precisely why allergies are so common in US, and younger children are more prone to have allergies than 30 years ago. Should we assume that the biotech companies will protect us from such mutations? Will they know themselves if a mutation has gone wrong before it is too late? Have safety procedures been put in place in order to make absolutely certain that precautions are taken to protect the public?

I myself am not convinced that we can rely on large corporations that have to increase their profitability every quarter. Every few months, there is an outbreak of salmonella and E. Coli bacteria in lettuce, tomatoes, sprouts, or chicken, or turkey or some other food product depending on where you live in the country. We have all seen and heard about these outbreaks.

Are GMOs the best way to feed the world?

We’ve been told by these multi-billion dollar biotech companies that GMO is the best technology to feed the world hunger and the wole statement isn’t simply TRUE. And since when a "for-profit industry" like biotech would care about feeding the world hunger? And if there is not enough food in the world for people, how did we live all these years without GMOs? How come all of a sudden the world can’t feed itself without GMOs? Nature does a much better job than laboratory genetic engineering; it has proven to be safe over millions of years, it’s less expensive, it is sustainable, it does not radically change mutation or make people sick or deformed or damage their organs or cause cancer. This whole hypocrisy initiated by biotech companies that GMO is the BEST and the ONLY way to feed the world hunger is just preposterous since there are many long term side effects, dangerous toxins, and potentially serious health hazards associated with GMOs.

Possible Health Risks and Environmental Hazards associated with Genetically Modified Foods:

Increase in Inflammatory Bowel Disease resulting in Chronic Constipation, Crohn’s Disease and Gastroesophageal Reflux

Inflammation is the root of many chronic diseases. The rate of chronic diseases have been increasing drastically since GMOs were introduced for public consumption. The figures below show increase in inflammation rate and increase in rate of chronic diseases such as constipation, gastroesophageal reflux, Crohn's disease and diabetes.

 

 

So what is FDA doing about this? Absolutely NOTHING.   The original policies of FDA in 1992 points out that GMOs aren’t any different than normal foods so no further studies are required. However a lawsuit against FDA in 1998 resulted in release of 44,000 secretive memos about GMO harms and danger.

FDA Statement of Policy - Foods Derived from New Plant Varieties

Landmark Lawsuit Challenges FDA Policy on Genetically Engineered Foods

It is self-evident that these memos are indeed a total scandal on how the FDA was dishonest about GMO safety. In fact the memos showed an overwhelming concern of the scientific community about GMOs. Even FDA SCIENTISTS mentioned in their memos how GMOs were DANGEROUS. The memos describe how GMOs could result in allergy increase, malnutrition, new diseases and pathogens.

Additionally, repeated requests by FDA scientists for a full set of long term studies on saftey of GMOs were ignored and the ongoing studies were stopped or banned.

American Academy of Environmental Medicine on Genetically Modified Foods

Most studies and research on the saftey of GMOs have been funded by giant biotech Monsanto. However independent studies performed by concerned scientists shows the alarming health risks associated with GMOs.

For example, the American academy of environmental medicine performed independent studies on how GMO foods can cause immune system disorder, infertility, allergies, accelerated aging, adverse cholesterol level and many other problems like changes in kidneys, damage to liver and gastrointestinal diseases.

Here is the full report of the American academy of environmental medicine about GMOs

French Study Finds Massive Tumors And Organ Damage in Rats Fed GMOs

Gastrointestinal Problems

Bt corn was first introduced into market by Monsanto in the mid 90s. The bacillus thuringiensis (BT) is a bacteria that is sprayed on vegetables in order to kill pests. Engineers inserted BT bacteria into corn and soy. So every cell in GMO soy or corn is producing toxic protein and the pests are killed by the GM plants themselves. BT toxin breaks the stomach of pests with one bite. No wonder why we are facing an epidemic of gastrointestinal problems in US. Although EPA says that BT doesn’t harm human beings and animals, a study published in February 2012 shows that BT toxin actually kills human cells.

The Study: Bt Toxin Kills Human Kidney Cells

There has been only one study performed on human beings about side effects of GM foods. The study showed that a part of gene in Roundup ready soy was transferred into DNA of bacteria that was living inside intestine. As a result Roundup actually didn’t kill any bacteria but turned the intestine into a living pesticide factory. Some researchers even believe that if you stop eating GM foods, the GM proteins could be still alive and active inside you.

A study in Canada showed that 95% of pregnant women had the BT toxin in their blood. The researchers also found Bt toxin in the blood of 83% of unborn fetuses.

Canadian Study: GMO Toxins in Vast Majority of Pregnant Women and Fetuses

GM food toxins found in the blood of 93% of unborn babies

Both studies suggest that Bt toxin found in the blood of pregnant women and fetuses were the result of consumption of animal products (meat or dairy) and the animal was fed by Monsanto’s Bt corn. Thanks to biotech companies, Roundup ready is now in 60% of air and water samples. It’s in the urine of children and blood of pregnant women and their fetuses.

Intestinal Damage

The independent studies show that GMOs cause intestinal damage. GMOs have been linked to leaky gut and when your intestine becomes permeable, foods could get into your blood stream before they are fully digested. No wonder why food allergies are on raise and are very common in US.

Possible links between intestinal permeability and food processing: A potential therapeutic niche for glutamine.

Allergies

Often times, kids and elderly with lower immune system develop food allergies. In many cases, when kids with food allergies were off of GMO diet, they started feeling better and showed no sign of allergies.

Autism

Since the introduction of GM foods, autism rates have gone up drastically.Studies show that stomach of GMO fed animals turned dark and animals fed with GMOs suffered from inflammation and irritation. These are the same side effects we see with autistic children.

Autism Numbers Skyrocket

Gastrointestinal Problems Common in Children With Autism

Autism and Diet Connection

Typical American Diet May Fuel Autism

Roundup

In 1974, Monsanto’s best selling herbicide known as “Round Up”, made and is still making Monsanto a fortune. Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Roundup. Roundup functions by making the nutrients unavailable to the plant and that kills the weeds. Roundup also weakens the plant immune system and spread diseases in the soil which will eventually make the plant sick. The plants that are treated with Roundup have lower nutrients and lower immune system. The livestock that are fed with GMO plants have also a lower immune system and get sick more often. Human beings that consume GMO dairy products and meats are more likely to have lower immune system.

Long term toxicity of a Roundup herbicide and a Roundup-tolerant genetically modified maize Gilles-Eric Séralini

Monsanto’s Toxic Herbicide Glyphosate: A Review of its Health and Environmental Effects

Weed-Whacking Herbicide Proves Deadly to Human Cells

Death by Multiple Poisoning Gglyphosate and Roundup

Infertility

 

According to statistics, a few decades ago the rate of infertility wasn’t this high. In the last few years, the infertility rate has increased drastically. However Monsanto denies the scientific findings and pretends there are no links between GMOs and infertility. According to researhc, when Roundup ready soy was fed to animals in labs they had an increase in infertility rate.

Ultrastructural Analysis of Tests from Mice

In a study 50% of babies of female rat died when they were fed soy roundup ready. Also the third generation of hamsters that consumed GM foods couldn’t have babies anymore.

Monsanto’s Best-Selling Herbicide Roundup Linked to Infertility

A glyphosate-based herbicide induces necrosis and apoptosis in mature rat testicular cells in vitro, and testosterone decrease at lower levels.

U.S. Fertility in Decline

Beef Cattle Fertility

Mystery Organism

The tissue of livestock that had miscarriages showed a new organism that scientists hadn’t seen before. The new mysterious organism is currently under research but previous studies suggest that the new organism is related to reproductive failure. The studies suggest that the mystery organism is a high concentration of soy and corn sprayed with Roundup. In one study the new organism killed the embryo of a chicken in less than 48 hours. Also in a US farm, 90% of sheep died from GMO corn that was sprayed with Roundup ready. In fact Dr. Huber, one of the concerned scientists wrote a letter to Tom Vilsack, the former secretary of agriculture and the former governor of Iowa who was awarded by biotech industries as the governor of the year describing his concern about this new organism: “For the past 40 years, I have been a scientist in the professional and military agencies that evaluate and prepare for natural and manmade biological threats, including germ warfare and disease outbreaks. Based on this experience, I believe the threat we are facing from this pathogen is unique and of a high risk status. In layman’s terms, it should be treated as an emergency”

Emergency! Pathogen New to Science Found in Roundup Ready GM Crops?

In his letter Dr Huber asks the former secretary of agriculture to hold off to Roundup ready alfalfa for more tests. He expresses his concern that if this new organism is somehow related to Roundup, at larger scale the whole country could be in trouble. However, Dr Huber never received any answers or responds from FDA. Also other letters written by the concerned scientific communities about Roundup were ignored by FDA.

Scientist warns on safety of Monsanto's Roundup

U.S. Approves Genetically Modified Alfalfa

Cancer from Dairy Products

Monsanto's scientists took the cow’s genes and put it into E. Coli bacteria and called it Recombinant Bovine growth hormone (rBGH). Then they injected the rBGH growth hormone into cows for increasing the milk production. The rBGH growth hormones cause painful udder infections in cows. Then the cows have to be treated with antibiotics. There is also more growth hormones and antibiotics in the milk of cows injected with rBGH. The growth hormone does increase the level of IGF-1 linked to cancer. Studies show that people who had higher levels of IGF-1 had more chances of developing breast and prostate cancer.

Circulating concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I and risk of breast cancer

Plasma insulin-like growth factor (IGF) I, IGF-binding protein 3, and mammographic density.

New Study Warns of Breast and Colon Cancer Risks from rBGH Milk

The data in a study also shows that women who were consuming rBGH milk had 50% to 60% higher chances of developing breast cancer. Here are the figures:

FDA has made many controversial statements before approving rBGH but they finally approved the use of growth hormones in livestock.

FDA allows Genetically-Modified rBGH to Endanger Milk

rBGH is banned in 27 different countries including Europe, Australia, Japan and Canada, and their scientific community are vehemently against the use of GMOs, rBGH hormones and Monsanto's herbecide.

Banned in 27 Countries, Monsanto’s rBGH Inhabits Many U.S. Dairy Products

Children and GMO

Kids are more susceptible and sensitive to GMOs than adults because they have smaller body mass for accumulation of toxins. They also cannot digest foods properly and have lower immune system. Also pregnant women who consume GMO foods can pass their genes to their babies and affect the growth and development of the fetus.

Infant Formula

Breast feeding is the best way to feed your baby. However in some cases, the mother might not have enough milk and have to substitute infant formula. Nearly most non-organic infant formulas use cows’ milk injected with rBGH and derivatives of GMO corn or soy. As a matter of fact, many popular infant formulas have GMO soy and corn in them.

US export Decreased as a result of GMOs

All independent studies (the ones that weren’t paid by Monsanto and biotech companies) show that GMOs are no sustainable way for agriculture. Actually GMOs caused 99% loss in export of US agricultural products to Europe.

The loss of corn exports to Europe: Something to chew on at the Commodity Classic

The biotech industry has also claimed that GM crops could reduce the need for use of herbicides. This statement isn't siply ture. Since the introcution of GMOs, the use of herbecides has increased by 26%. In fact, studies indicate that in matter of a few years the farmers are dealing with superweeds and have to use stronger herbicides.

Farmers Cope With Roundup-Resistant Weeds

Report Documents Pesticide Use Increases on GE Crops

As a matter of fact 322 million more herbecides have been used in GM crops compared to non GMO.

Glyphosate resistant weeds a reality for cotton growers

Monsanto's Crops Spawning Superweed Epidemic in U.S.

Pro-GM Abuse of Science and Scientist

The reality is that a few people who have talked about the devastating side effects of GMOs have paid a highly serious personal and professional price.

Urgent Action Needed Against Pro-GM Abuse of Science and Scientists

Things are so uptight that even if you raise question about GM technology you will be demonized and your reputation will be shredded. Also iIf the message of scientists isn't aligned with Monsanto's PR, you will simply risk accusations, threats and loss of funds and jobs.

 

Researcher Sacked, others threatened over GM protest

Biotech companies also directly invest in our universities so not too many scientists and researchers could perform independent research and studies about negative effects of GMOs.

Monsanto Commits $250,000 to University of Illinois Ag Communications Program

Monsanto threatens Vermont legislature over GMO labeling bill, says it will sue state

The whole thing does raise a question that why any independent study that shows negative side effect of GM foods are either banned or stopped. Monsanto and DuPont keep GMO seeds away from scientists and won’t even give the seeds to anyone but their own scientists for research. That;s why It’s really hard to perform any independent study. But once a researcher can perform an independent study and the results are negative, they could be severely penalized, their funding canceled or lose their jobs.

Dr Arpad Pusztai Dr Arpad Pusztai, one of the leading scientists was given 3 million dollar research grant to test GMO safety. He found some disturbing result that GMO foods were actually unsafe causing pre cancer cell growth, digestive tracts, damage to liver and lower immune system.

Monsanto blocks research on GMO safety

Arpad Pusztai and the Risks of Genetic Engineering

Arpad pusztai speaks out

Few days after the GMO results were out, Dr Arpad Pusztai gets fired, he is threatened with law suit and his reputation was destroyed.

UK scientist in genetic food scare loses his job

Who Is Arpad Pusztai and Why Has He Been Silenced?

When Andres Carrasco, another scientist in Argentina was going to talk about the relation between GM soy and birth defect, a mob attacked him and his colleagues. He got himself into his car but the mob beat his car for two hours. However two of his friends were left outside the car, one was knocked unconscious and the other one was paralyzed.

Mob violence halts speech by Monsanto critic

War Over Monsanto Gets Ugly

GMO crisis in India

Monsanto forced BT cotton seeds on Indian farmers so millions of farmers changed their crops to Bt cotton. As mentioned, BT cotton produces an insecticide that breaks the stomach of pests and kills them. Bt cotton has caused skin rashes and allergies in many farmers. Thousands of animals also fed with Bt cotton got sick and died.

The Deccan Development Society in India asked the Indian government to perform safety test on Bt cotton. Not a single university or government agency agreed to test Bt cotton for safety. So the Deccan Development Society performed tests on Bt cotton. The results were stunning. All the animals fed with Bt cotton died within 6 month!

Deccan Development Society

BT sins... itchy scars

But the only side effects of Bt cotton isn’t death of animals or skin rashes in farmers. BT cotton is also very unreliable in a way that it works sometimes and doesn’t work other times.

Bt cotton - less miracles, more failures for Indian farmers

Many farmers borrowed money and had to pay high interest on the money they borrowed to plant BT cotton that doesn’t even work. As a result of Monsanto’s costly Bt cotton, farmers are falling into the endless cycle of debt and commit suicide. Most suicide is actually taking place where farmers are planting Bt cotton and disturbingly farmers kill themselves by drinking Monsanto’s insecticide.

On India’s Farms, a Plague of Suicide

So what could we do about GMOs?

The biotech companies have done an excellent job making us believe that the world can’t be fed without genetically engineered foods which is absolutely not TRUE. The TRUTH is that nature is full of ABUNDANCE and there is plenty of food available in nature for every man, woman and child. The problem with food crisis and food shortage in some parts of the world isn’t actually lack of food but CORRUPTION. GMOs are simply the biggest scam and the most serious threat to our lives and this whole excuse that we can’t feed the world with organic sustainable agriculture is just an irrational statement marketed to all of us by biotech companies. It might also be interesting to know that the same biotech companies are also the biggest producer of pesticides, drugs and chemicals. After the WW2, GMOs were an excellent excuse for the use of chemicals and pesticides in our agriculture and food supply.

There is NO WAY to feed the world with GMOs in a way that is sustainable and affordable. In fact the world can feed itself, it always has! GMOs are just a toxic product for increasing sales and corporate profit. However Monsanto’s pockets are very deep and their lobbyist are very influential but if consumers realize that GMO is a disaster, we the people have the choice to boycott GMOs. The tipping point for GMO products will happen a day that most Americans avoid GM foods and stop voting against their own interests.

These biotech companies need to get the anti-GMO sentiment the way they got it in the rest of the world. GMO is now banned permanently in many developed and even some developing countries. We as consumers shouldn’t forget that these profiteering companies are only interested in increasing corporate profit and not the health of our families and loved ones. We can’t control what was produced yesterday, but we can control what’s produced tomorrow. Women and moms are the main driving force behind this movement. If women avoid buying GM foods, the biotech companies will get the hint. Most women will do anything to protect their babies, so why not protecting your child from genetically engineered foods?

Click Here to Watch GMO Documentary "Genetic Roulette; the Gamble of our Lives"