The Health Risks ofThe Health Risks ofGenetically Modified FoodsGenetically Modified Foods

US GM cropsSoy 94%Soy 94%Corn Corn 88% 88%Cotton Cotton 93% 93%Canola Canola 90% (Canada) 90% (Canada)

Sugar beets 95%Sugar beets 95%Alfalfa (hay, not Alfalfa (hay, not sprouts) ?%sprouts) ?%

Minor Food

Crops

Hawaiian Hawaiian papayapapaya

virus resistant

ZucchiniZucchinicrookneck crookneck squashsquash

virus resistant

How do we avoid How do we avoid GMOs?GMOs? BuyBuy organicorganic

Buy products that are Buy products that are labeled non-GMOlabeled non-GMO Buy products listed on a Buy products listed on a

Non-GMO Shopping GuideNon-GMO Shopping Guide AvoidAvoid at-risk ingredients at-risk ingredients

www.NonGMONonGMOShoppingGuideShoppingGuide..com for shopping guides and tips

See

1-100, How vigilant were you to avoid GM food when eating out?

1-100, How vigilant were you this week to avoid bringing GM food home?

Rate yourself

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cellsnucleus

chromosome

DNA

gene

TA

A A

C

C

C G

GG

T

TT

ABasepairs: A-T & C-G (nucleotides)

1.1. Isolate a gene with aIsolate a gene with a desired trait*desired trait*

2.2. Change the gene so it willChange the gene so it will work in plants*work in plants* 3.3. Prepare plant cells or tissuePrepare plant cells or tissue

4.4. Transform plant cells using a gene gun Transform plant cells using a gene gun or bacteria infection method*or bacteria infection method*

5. Re-grow cells to plants via tissue 5. Re-grow cells to plants via tissue culture (cloning)*culture (cloning)*

How does How does Genetic Engineering Genetic Engineering work?work?

* Steps that contain scientific uncertainties and risk potential

Gene constructPromoter: on switch

Gene sequenceGene sequence

Stop signal

e.g. Bt toxin gene from soil

bacterium

often CaMV (virus)

e.g. from pea

Identify cells with incorporated genes

Only transformed cells survive

Test for markers Add antibiotic

Grow transformed GM cells via cloning (tissue

culture)

Antibiotic Resistant Antibiotic Resistant GenesGenes““IT WOULD BE A SERIOUS IT WOULD BE A SERIOUS HEALTH HAZARD TO INTRODUCE HEALTH HAZARD TO INTRODUCE A GENE THAT CODES FOR A GENE THAT CODES FOR ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE INTO ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE INTO THE NORMAL FLORA OF THE THE NORMAL FLORA OF THE GENERAL POPULATION.”GENERAL POPULATION.”

Director, Division of Anti-infective Drug Director, Division of Anti-infective Drug ProductsProducts

Allergens

Toxins

New diseases

Nutritional problems

Agency scientists warned

of:

GM plants could “contain GM plants could “contain unexpected high concentrations of unexpected high concentrations of plant toxicants.”plant toxicants.”

““The possibility of unexpected, The possibility of unexpected, accidental changes in genetically accidental changes in genetically engineered plants justifies a engineered plants justifies a limited traditional toxicological limited traditional toxicological study.”study.”

FDA Toxicology GroupFDA Toxicology Group

11. . “Increased levels of known naturally “Increased levels of known naturally occurring toxins”,occurring toxins”,

2. “Appearance of new, not previously 2. “Appearance of new, not previously identified” toxins,identified” toxins,

3. Increased tendency to gather “toxic 3. Increased tendency to gather “toxic substances from the environment” such substances from the environment” such as “pesticides or heavy metals”, andas “pesticides or heavy metals”, and

4. “Undesirable alterations in the levels of 4. “Undesirable alterations in the levels of nutrients.”nutrients.”

They recommended testing every GM food “before it enters the marketplace.”Division of Food Chemistry and Division of Food Chemistry and TechnologyTechnology

““Residues of plant Residues of plant constituents or toxicants constituents or toxicants

in meat and milk in meat and milk products may pose products may pose human food safety human food safety

concerns.”concerns.”

Gerald Guest, Director, FDA’sGerald Guest, Director, FDA’sCenter for Veterinary Medicine (CVM)Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM)

FDA declares GMOs no different “The agency is not aware

of any information showing that foods

derived by these new methods differ from other

foods in any meaningful or uniform way.”

Food and Drug Administration

“Statement of Policy” May 29, 1992

Secret FDA documents

confirmed that the facts

contradicted the statement

What was said within What was said within FDAFDA

““The processes of genetic engineering The processes of genetic engineering and traditional breeding are different, and traditional breeding are different, and according to the technical and according to the technical experts in the agency, they lead to experts in the agency, they lead to different risks.”different risks.”

Linda Kahl, FDA compliance officerLinda Kahl, FDA compliance officer

By “trying to force an ultimate By “trying to force an ultimate conclusion that there is no conclusion that there is no difference between foods difference between foods modified by genetic modified by genetic engineering and foods engineering and foods modified by traditional modified by traditional breeding practices,” the breeding practices,” the agency was “trying to fit a agency was “trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.”square peg into a round hole.”

Linda Kahl, FDA compliance officerLinda Kahl, FDA compliance officer

““Animal feeds derived from Animal feeds derived from genetically modified plants genetically modified plants present unique animal and food present unique animal and food safety concerns.” safety concerns.”

““I would urge you to eliminate I would urge you to eliminate statements that suggest that the statements that suggest that the lack of information can be used lack of information can be used as evidence for no regulatory as evidence for no regulatory concern.”concern.”

Gerald Guest, Director, FDA’sGerald Guest, Director, FDA’sCenter for Veterinary Medicine (CVM)Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM)

““There is a profound difference between the types of There is a profound difference between the types of

unexpected effects from traditional breeding and unexpected effects from traditional breeding and

genetic engineering,” genetic engineering,”

“ “There is no certainty that [breeders] will be able to There is no certainty that [breeders] will be able to

pick up effects that might not be obvious.”pick up effects that might not be obvious.”

““This is the industry’s pet idea, namely that there are This is the industry’s pet idea, namely that there are

no unintended effects that will raise the FDA’s level of no unintended effects that will raise the FDA’s level of

concern. But time and time again, there is no data to concern. But time and time again, there is no data to

back up their contention.”back up their contention.”

FDA microbiologist Louis PribylFDA microbiologist Louis Pribyl

““What has happened to the scientific What has happened to the scientific elements of this document? Without a elements of this document? Without a sound scientific base to rest on, this sound scientific base to rest on, this becomes a broad, general, ‘What do I becomes a broad, general, ‘What do I have to do to avoid trouble’-type have to do to avoid trouble’-type document. . . . It will look like and probably document. . . . It will look like and probably be just a political document. . . . It reads be just a political document. . . . It reads very pro-industry, especially in the area of very pro-industry, especially in the area of unintended effects.”unintended effects.”

FDA microbiologist Louis PribylFDA microbiologist Louis Pribyl

Michael Taylor• In charge of FDA policy

• Former Monsanto attorney• Later Monsanto vice president

• Now US Food Safety Czar

Who overruledthe scientists?

‘‘Based on the safety and nutritional assessment Based on the safety and nutritional assessment you have conducted, you have conducted, it is our understanding that it is our understanding that Monsanto has concludedMonsanto has concluded that corn products derived that corn products derived from this new variety from this new variety are not materially differentare not materially different in in composition, safety, and other relevant parameters composition, safety, and other relevant parameters from corn currently on the market, and that the from corn currently on the market, and that the genetically modified corn does not raise issues that genetically modified corn does not raise issues that would require premarket review or approval by FDA. would require premarket review or approval by FDA. . . . as you are aware, . . . as you are aware, it is Monsanto’s responsibility it is Monsanto’s responsibility to ensure that foods marketed by the firm are to ensure that foods marketed by the firm are safesafe...’”...’”

FDA Letter to Monsanto, 1996FDA Letter to Monsanto, 1996

First GM Crop

FlavrSavr

Tomato

Yuk!

Rats refused to eat the

tomato

Many animals avoided GM feed

when given a choice

Mice avoided GM corn

After 28 days•7 of 207 of 20 rats developed rats developed stomach lesionsstomach lesions

•Another Another 7 of 407 of 40 died died within 2 weekswithin 2 weeksIndustryIndustry studystudy

First possible cause of problems

The process of The process of creating a GM creating a GM crop creates crop creates unpredicted unpredicted changes in DNA changes in DNA and plant and plant compositioncomposition

Unexpected Unexpected changes changes in the DNAin the DNA

•Mutations (2-4% of Mutations (2-4% of DNA)DNA)•Deletion of genesDeletion of genes•Permanently on or offPermanently on or off•Altered gene Altered gene expressionexpression (up to 5%)(up to 5%)

Disruption of gene Disruption of gene networksnetworksJuly 1, 2007, New York Times:July 1, 2007, New York Times: The presumption that genes operate independently The presumption that genes operate independently

has been institutionalized. . . . It is the economic and has been institutionalized. . . . It is the economic and regulatory foundation on which the entire regulatory foundation on which the entire biotechnology industry is built.biotechnology industry is built.

Evidence of a networked genome shatters the Evidence of a networked genome shatters the scientific basis for virtually every official risk scientific basis for virtually every official risk assessment of today’s commercial biotech products.assessment of today’s commercial biotech products.

Yet to date, every attempt to challenge safety claims Yet to date, every attempt to challenge safety claims for biotech products has been categorically for biotech products has been categorically dismissed, or derided as unscientific.dismissed, or derided as unscientific.

Changes in Mon 810 cornChanges in Mon 810 corn “Interestingly, a newly expressed spot (SSP 6711) corresponding to 50 kDa gamma zein, a well-known allergenic protein, has been detected. Moreover, as a major concern, a number of seed storage proteins … exhibited truncated forms having molecular masses significantly lower than the native ones.”

(Zolla)

GM soy has increased soy allergen

Trypsin inhibitor(soy allergen)

up to 7 times higherin cooked GM soy

(Not denatured from cooking!)

Altered nutrients

Increased: Anti-nutrient (soy

lectin) Allergen (trypsin

inhibitor) Lignin (disease

related?)Reduced: Protein A fatty acid An essential amino

acid Phytoestrogens

GM soy has higher lignin content

“Components of this same biochemical pathway also produce… rotenone, a plant-produced insecticide that may cause Parkinson’s disease.”David Schubert, PhD, Salk Institute

UK attempts to create UK attempts to create long-term safety studieslong-term safety studies

Dr. Arpad Pusztai

Rats fed GM potato (GNA lectin)

•Lining of the small intestine showed

elevated lymphocyte counts

•Thymus and spleen showed changes

•White blood cells responded more

slowly(Ewen and Pusztai )

GM potatoes damaged rats (10 or 110 days)Rats developed• Potentially pre-

cancerous cell growth in the digestive tract

• Smaller brains, livers and testicles

• Partial atrophy of the liver, and

• Immune system damage

Lancet, 1999 & others

Intestinal Wall

Non-GM GM

Stomach lining

Non-GM GM

A second cause of problemsThe protein

produced by the inserted

gene may be harmful

Herbicide tolerance (73%)Herbicide tolerance (73%)Roundup ReadyRoundup ReadyLiberty LinkLiberty Link

Pesticide production (18%)Pesticide production (18%)Bt toxin Bt toxin

Crops with both traits (8%)Crops with both traits (8%)

primary traits

Bt-toxinBt-toxinIndustry claims

Bt: Has a history of Has a history of

safe usesafe use Is destroyed Is destroyed

during during digestiondigestion

Is not active in Is not active in mammalsmammals

In realityIn reality

Bt (Cry1Ac)

Bt (Cry1Ac) Triggers Mouse Reactions

Triggers Mouse Reactions

Bt-toxin:• Is highly immune stimulating (immunogenic) – both

mucosal and systemic responses• As potent as cholera toxin• Induces IgG, IgA, IgM responses• (Dose dependent response observed)• Is an adjuvant for other antigens (induces immune response)

(Vazquez-Padron)

Bt in Mice, con’tBt in Mice, con’t

Bt-toxin:• Produced enhanced immune response to Hepatitis

B surface antigen, Bovine serum albumin for IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies. (Proposed vaccine adjuvant.)

• Is as potent an immune stimulator as cholera toxin • Cry1Ac is similar in structure to Cry1Ab used in

most Bt corn

(Vazquez, Scand. J. Immunol)

Bt Spray Affects Humans

Bt sprayed over Vancouver and Washington:• 500 health complaints; 6 went to emergency room

for allergies or asthma.Farm workers:• Eye, nose, throat, respiratory irritation, skin

irritation, itching, swelling, allergic rhinitis, fever, altered consciousness, and seizures.

Farm workers exposed to Bt pesticides

Skin prick tests with Btk antigens in high, medium and low exposure groups.

(Screens patients with suspected IgE mediated allergies—mediated by B cells)

(Bernstein)

“The number of positive skin-prick tests … increased 1 month after exposure and persisted for 4 months after repetitive

exposure.”

Serum antibody test (Bt extracts)

• Significantly higher IgG and IgE response in high exposure workers. Unexposed controls had no response.

• Some workers had IgG antibodies prior to first spray from exposure in years prior

• Specific IgE antibody levels in workers before first spray, increased after 1 month and remained elevated 4 months later

Symptoms• Some workers

reported respiratory, eye, and skin symptoms

• Those with significant reactions may have found work elsewhere (Healthy Worker Effect)

Implications• “This is the first report of immune

responses occurring in farm workers exposed to Bt-containing pesticides”

• “Exposure to Btk spray may lead to allergic sensitization”

• Shows allergic potential for environmental bacteria – a phenomena seen in relatively few bacteria

• Shows that, contrary to assertions, humans are reactive to Bt-toxin

Expert advisors to the EPA: Mouse and farm worker studies:Mouse and farm worker studies: “ “Suggest that Suggest that Bt proteinsBt proteins could act as could act as

antigenic and allergenic sources. … antigenic and allergenic sources. … Only surveillance and clinical Only surveillance and clinical assessment of exposed individuals assessment of exposed individuals will confirm the allergenicity of Bt will confirm the allergenicity of Bt products.”products.”

((EPA Scientific Advisory Panel 2001)

BtBt inin cropscrops

Mice ate Bt corn (30/90 days)

Multiple immune system

responses

Government of Italy Government of Italy

November 2008November 2008

Weaning and old mice fed Bt cornWeaning and old mice fed Bt corn Weaning mice:• Changes in T cells, B cells and T

cell subsets – CD4+ and CD8+, (gamma delta) T cells, (alpha beta) T cells

Old mice:• Changes in B cells,

T cells, T cells

(Finamore)

(Mon 810)(Mon 810)

IgG & IgE “Preliminary results

indicate an increase of total IgG and IgE in both weaning an old mice fed MON810 maize as compared to its parental control maize”

(Finamore)

Cytokines(Immune signaling molecules)

“These cytokines (IL-6, IL-13, IL12p70, MIP-1b) are involved in allergic and inflammatory responses”

(Finamore)

Increased only in weaning miceIncreased only in weaning mice  Associations

IL-6

Rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, various types of cancer (multiple myeloma and prostate cancer)

IL-13 Allergy, allergic rhinitis, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease)

MIP-1bAutoimmune disease and colitis.Elevated in lung fluid of patients with mustard gas pulmonary fibrosis

Increased in weaning & old miceIncreased in weaning & old mice

  Associations

IL-12p70

Inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis

Increased only in weaning miceIncreased only in weaning mice  Association

(gamma delta)

T cells

Regulates immune system – modulate inflammatory response re: infection and autoimmune disease.In humans: elevated in asthma, in the IELs of children with untreated food allergies, in the duodenum (small intestine) of children with juvenile arthritis or connective tissue diseases with gastrointestinal symptoms.

Mice ate Bt/RR cornIncreased infertility and lower

birth weight

Government of Government of AustriaAustria

November 2008November 2008

Rats ate Bt corn (90 days)

Indicators for liver and kidney

toxicity,blood pressure

problems, allergies,infections or disease,

higher blood sugar,and anemia

Monsanto Monsanto studystudy

90 day Bt corn study (Mon 863)90 day Bt corn study (Mon 863)Measure Function Potential indicator

Increased Basophil Counts

Creates histamine

May indicate allergic reaction

Increased Lymphocyte Counts

Immune reactions to fight infections, etc.

Lymphocytes increase in the presence of infections, cancer, various toxins, and disease states

IncreasedWhite Blood Cell Counts

Same as above

Can result from bacterial infections, inflammation, leukemia, trauma, and stress

(Burns)

Bt cottonThousands of laborers in India reported allergic reactions to Bt cotton

Itching all over the body, eruptions, wounds, discoloration

The Sunday IndianThe Sunday Indian, , 10/26/0810/26/08

• Hospital records:Hospital records: “Show that “Show that victims of itching have increased victims of itching have increased massively this year, and all of them massively this year, and all of them are related to BT cotton farming.”are related to BT cotton farming.”

• Pharmacy manager:Pharmacy manager: “Almost “Almost every cotton worker from this every cotton worker from this village suffers from itching. Not a village suffers from itching. Not a day passes by without a few of day passes by without a few of them coming to purchase them coming to purchase medicines for that.”medicines for that.”

The Sunday IndianThe Sunday Indian, 10/26/08

•Hospital records: “Victims of itching have increased massively this year . . . related to BT cotton farming.”

•Pharmacy manager: “Almost every cotton worker from this village suffers from itching.”

Upper respiratory

Eyes Skin Overall

Bt Spray

sneezingrunny noseasthma

wateryred

itching burning inflammationred, swelling

fever

some in hospital

Bt cotton

sneezingrunny nose

wateryred

itching burning eruptionsred, swelling

fever

some in hospital

Thousands of sheep died after grazing onBt cotton plants

Bt cotton

“The Andhra Pradesh government has advised farmers not to allow animals to graze on Bt cotton fields after four institutes reported the presence of toxins in them.”

The Hindustan Times, 17 June 2007

Animals also had skin problemsBt cotton

•Reduction in foodReduction in food•Swelling lips, frothy salivation, nasal dischargeSwelling lips, frothy salivation, nasal discharge•Bulging of headBulging of head•Slight feverSlight fever•100% mortality in 25-30 days100% mortality in 25-30 days

3 sheep in each group3 sheep in each groupA) Bollgard I B) Bollgard II C) Non-A) Bollgard I B) Bollgard II C) Non-GMOGMO

GMO groups:GMO groups:

Feb. 2008

Indian buffaloes Indian buffaloes (Haryana)(Haryana)• Most refuse to eat Bt cotton seed & oil Most refuse to eat Bt cotton seed & oil

cake. cake. • Prolapsed uterus, premature deliveries Prolapsed uterus, premature deliveries

(majority), common abortions, conception (majority), common abortions, conception age advanced up to 2 years.age advanced up to 2 years.

• Reduction in milk and fat content, taste Reduction in milk and fat content, taste qualityquality

• Skin problemsSkin problems• Sudden deathSudden death

Buffalo (Warangal)Buffalo (Warangal)• Grazed on Bt cotton plants (1 day) Grazed on Bt cotton plants (1 day) • Sick and unconscious for 2-3 daysSick and unconscious for 2-3 days• 13 deaths13 deaths

Post mortem (unofficial)Post mortem (unofficial)

• Holes in lungsHoles in lungs• Liver: darker, Liver: darker,

flattened, dryflattened, dry

Post mortem …Post mortem …Undigested food in rumen

Does Bt toxin kill Does Bt toxin kill rumen bacteria?rumen bacteria?

And 26 sheep and goats deathsAnd 26 sheep and goats deaths

In the same village, many also In the same village, many also reported itching (raised hands)reported itching (raised hands)

Bt Cotton farmer suicidesBt Cotton farmer suicides

Daily Mail Daily Mail Nov. 3, 2008Nov. 3, 2008““An estimated 125,000 farmers An estimated 125,000 farmers … [took] their own life as a … [took] their own life as a result of the ruthless drive to result of the ruthless drive to use India as a testing ground use India as a testing ground for genetically modified crops”for genetically modified crops”

Bt corn, reports…

12 cows died on a Germanfarm

Bt corn, reports…

Farmers say pigs and cows became sterile

Bt corn, reports…

Inhaled pollen may have caused illness

Inhaled Bt Pollen

Sneezing, asthmacoughs, nose bleeds, swelling, fever, headache, stomach ache, dizziness, diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, and numbness

Bt corn, reports…

Deaths after consuming corn:• 9 horses• 4 buffalos• 37 chickens• 5 unexplained human deaths

Bt corn(2011) Bt-toxin in

blood of Canadian

women and fetuses

(2012) Bt-toxin

damages human cells

Third reason for problems The protein may be different than

intended

The transgene sequence may:

Mutate or truncateRearrange

Be read differentlyProduce multiple proteins

The protein may:

Be folded differentlyHave different molecules attached

Altered protein in GM peas

may have turned

them deadly

AgriculturalFood Chemistry,

2005

GM peas with aAI

GM fed mice: Delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH)(used to determine preexistent cell mediated immunity – mediated by T cells) IgG1 significantly higher in mice fed TG peas

Sensitized to egg white protein alone—strong Th2 type response

(Prescott)

Th2 type immune response

Characterized by:Characterized by:• Pulmonary eosinopheliaPulmonary eosinophelia• Mucus hypersecretionMucus hypersecretion• Airway hyper reactivityAirway hyper reactivity

Th2 cytokinesPathway:

Th2 cells secrete interleukins IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 – which turn

on IgE production by B cells, increase mast cells, and increase eosinophils

• Th2 diseases• Allergy

• Asthma• Lupus

• Chemical Sensitivity• Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The Cause?Post

translational modification

• Mass spec and Immunoblot of pea-

AI:

• Changes in the protein structure - potential

for being a new antigen

(Prescott)

Fourth possible problem

MoreMore

herbicide herbicide residuesresidues

GM crops increased herbicide use by 527 million pounds over the first 16 years (1996-2011)

Herbicide use on Non-RR soy dropped by Herbicide use on Non-RR soy dropped by 20% over the same time period.20% over the same time period.

Over 14 million US acres are infested Over 14 million US acres are infested with glyphosate-resistant weeds.with glyphosate-resistant weeds.(22 varieties)(22 varieties)

Glyphosate use per acre on:RR soy up 227% (16 yrs)

RR corn up 54% (15 yrs)RR cotton up 206% (15 yrs)

Bt crops produce more insecticide than they displace (European corn

borer 2010)

lbs / acre Bt's IncreaseChemical insecticide used on non-GM corn 0.12

Bt-corn varieties

MON 810 0.18 150%Bt 11 0.25 208%MON 89034 0.6 500%

Bt crops produce more insecticide than they displace (rootworm 2010)

lbs / acre Bt's IncreaseChemical insecticide on non-GM corn

0.19

Bt-corn varieties

MON 88017 1.7 895%*Dow/Pioneer DAS 59122-7 2.5 1316%

Chickens fed Liberty Link corn died at twice the rate

Industry study

More Liberty (Glufosinate) residues

• “Mock neurotransmitter,” structurally similar to glutamic acid

• Stimulates central nervous system, kills brain cells• Fetal or infant exposure can affect behavior, retard

growth, increasd death rates, interfere with forebrain development, and cause cleft lips

• Adult exposure: unconsciousness, respiratory distress, convulsions, kidney disorder

Fifth Fifth possible possible problemproblem

Gene transfer togut bacteria orinto our DNA

Transfer Transfer of of

transgentransgenes to gut es to gut bacteria bacteria

is is optimizedoptimized

•Bacterial Bacterial sequences are sequences are easier to easier to transfer to transfer to bacteriabacteria

•The gene’s The gene’s promoter promoter works in works in bacteriabacteria

The The Only Only

Human Human Feeding Feeding

Study Study on GM on GM CropsCrops

Genes transferred to intestinal bacteria

Nature Biotechnology, 2004

What What can can transfertransfer??

•PromoterPromoter

•Antibiotic Antibiotic resistant resistant markermarker

•Roundup Ready Roundup Ready genegene

•Liberty Link Liberty Link

GeneGene

•Viral geneViral gene

Virus resistantHawaiian papayaHawaiian papayaZucchiniZucchinicrookneck squashcrookneck squash

Viral proteins

Viral proteins may:may:

• Increase viral Increase viral

infections infections

Be toxicBe toxicor

If Bt If Bt genes genes

transfer transfer They might turn our intestinal bacteria into living pesticide factories

Summary:Summary:Possible Sources of Possible Sources of ProblemsProblems1.1. Disruption of DNADisruption of DNA

2.2. GM proteinGM protein

3.3. Changes in the Changes in the proteinprotein

4.4. Herbicide residuesHerbicide residues

5.5. Transfer of genesTransfer of genes

Autism parallelsAutism parallels

Lab animals

Livestock

Humans

BehaviorIntestinesGut bacteria Immunity

Case Study: Roundup Ready Soy

1.Disrupted DNA

Damaged section near transgene

Extra transgene fragments

European Food Research and Technology

Altered nutrients

Increased: Anti-nutrient (soy lectin) Allergen (trypsin

inhibitor) Lignin (disease related?)Reduced: Protein A fatty acid An essential amino

acid Phytoestrogens

GM soy has higher lignin content

“Components of this same biochemical pathway also produce… rotenone, a plant-produced insecticide that may cause Parkinson’s disease.”David Schubert, PhD, Salk Institute

2. Protein may be harmful

Properties of a known

allergen (dust mite)

3. GM protein may be altered

RNA was longer than intended Further processed into four variants,

which may create unintended proteins

4. Increased herbicide527 million pounds more in the first 16 years

(US)Increased fusarium on crops (wheat, soy roots)Decreased trace minerals

5. Gene transferSoy transgenes were

confirmed in human gut bacteria

Evidence of GM soy-related problems

Soon after GM soy

was introduced into the UK,

soy allergies

skyrocketed

by 50%.York Laboratory

“One patient had a positive skin test

result to GMO soybeans only.”

Skin prick test

Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, 2005

Mice fed GM Mice fed GM soysoyPancreasPancreas Reduced digestiveReduced digestive

enzymesenzymes Altered cell structureAltered cell structure Altered gene expressionAltered gene expression

Journal of Anatomy, 2002Journal of Anatomy, 2002

European Journal of Histochemistry, 2003European Journal of Histochemistry, 2003

Possible causes for increase allergies

Digestion impaired New allergen created

Known allergen increased Herbicide residues increased

Roundup Ready protein may be allergenic Roundup Ready protein produced inside us

(Continuously)

Health Health professionalsprofessionals“I used to test for soy

allergies all the time, but now that soy is genetically

engineered, it is so dangerous that I tell

people never to eat it—unless it says organic.”

—John H. Boyles, MD, ear, nose, and throat, and allergy specialist

Rabbits Fed Roundup Ready Rabbits Fed Roundup Ready SoySoy

(For 40 days)(For 40 days)

Increased cell metabolismIncreased cell metabolism Changed enzyme levels in Changed enzyme levels in

the kidneys, hearts and the kidneys, hearts and liverslivers

Animal Science, 2006

Mice fed GM Mice fed GM soysoyLiverLiver Cells damagedCells damaged Altered gene expression Altered gene expression Higher metabolic activity Higher metabolic activity

(suggesting toxic insult)(suggesting toxic insult)Cell Structure and Function, Cell Structure and Function, 20022002

Mice livers

Control GM-fed

Hepatocyte Nuclei

Mice livers

Control GM-fed

Hepatocyte Nuclei

Rat LiversC, D – GM-soy groupА, B – control group

A

B

C

D

Dr. Irina Ermakova

ControlControl GM soy fedGM soy fed

GM-soyGM-soyControlControl

Rat testiclesRat testicles

Mice fed GM soyTesticular cells had altered structure and function

European Journal of Histochemistry, 2004European Journal of Histochemistry, 2004

Changes in Uterus and ovaries

Rats fed GM soy

Offspring of Mice Fed GM Soy

Young embryos from GM-fed parents had temporary decrease in gene expression

Eur J Histochem

Death of baby ratsDeath of baby rats

Control GM-soy

Non-GM soyIrina Ermakova, 2005-2007

>50%>50%

10%10%

GM-soy GM-soy groupgroup

Ermakova Irina, 2005-2007

MortalityMortality of rat of rat offspring offspring for for one dayone day

Control Non-GM soy GM-soyGM-soy

Rat litters at Rat litters at 9-days from 9-days from

mothers fed mothers fed non-GM non-GM

oror GM soy GM soy.

GM-soy groupGM-soy group

Irina Ermakova, 2005-2007

Non-GM soy Non-GM soy groupgroup

Irina Ermakova, 2005-2007

19-day old ratsLarger rat is from control groupsmaller from GM-soy group.

Preliminary evidencePreliminary evidenceRat offspring did not

conceive

When the entire When the entire Russian facility began using Russian facility began using

GM soy-based feed, GM soy-based feed, infant mortality infant mortality

for all rats hit 55.3%.for all rats hit 55.3%.

Hamsters fed GM soy for two Hamsters fed GM soy for two yearsyears

By the third generation, most lost the By the third generation, most lost the ability to have babies. They also ability to have babies. They also suffered slower growth, a high suffered slower growth, a high

mortality rate (4-5X the controls) and mortality rate (4-5X the controls) and some had hair growing in their some had hair growing in their

mouths.mouths.

If GM crops are so bad, why don’t we see more problems?

Killed about 100 and caused

5,000-10,000 to fall sick

L-tryptophan produced by GM bacteria

The epidemic The epidemic was discoveredwas discoveredbecause the because the diseasedisease

1. Was new, with unique symptoms

2. Acute3. Came on quickly

Current Assessments

No post-marketing surveillance

No human clinical trials

No proper evaluation of plant changes or effects

Approvals based ondisproved or untested assumptions

Industry studies

Monsanto’s Monsanto’s plansplans

Rate yourself 1-100• 1-100, How vigilant to avoid GM food when eating

out?

• How vigilant will you be to avoid bringing GM food

home?

• How active do you plan to be helping to stop this?

www.NonGMONonGMOShoppingGuideShoppingGuide..com

iPhone:

ShopShopNoGMONoGMO

www.NonGMONonGMOShoppingGuideShoppingGuide..com

How do weHow do we stop stop the genetic the genetic

engineering of engineering of ourour food supplyfood supply??

Dr. Arpad Pusztai

Landslide among Landslide among manufacturersmanufacturers

Removed GMOs from EU!

As far as you know, have you ever eaten genetically modified foods?•No........................................60%

•Don’t Know...........................15%•Yes.......................................25%

US awareness is low

Tipping point for US rejection of GM

crops may be quite soon

Tipping point against September 2006, Boston Globe

““Dairies are rushing to rid their Dairies are rushing to rid their bottled milk of artificial bottled milk of artificial

growth hormones. . . it could growth hormones. . . it could

be a tipping point.”be a tipping point.” October 2006, New York Times ““It seems to be an explosion in It seems to be an explosion in the industry.”the industry.”

Wal-Mart, Kroger, Starbucks, Wal-Mart, Kroger, Starbucks, and about 58 of the top 100 dairiesand about 58 of the top 100 dairies have rejected rBGH so far. have rejected rBGH so far.

rBGrBGHH

Tipping point against rBGH February 9, 2009

• When General Mills Announces Committed to Make Yoplait® Yogurt Products 100 Percent Free of Milk from Cows Treated with rBST by August 2009, they said:

• ““Our consumers were Our consumers were expressing a preference for expressing a preference for milk from cows not treated milk from cows not treated with rBST-– and we with rBST-– and we responded.”responded.”  

Campaign for Healthier Eating in

America

www.ResponsibleTechnology.org

2009 Neilson 2009 Neilson Survey:Survey:

Fastest growing Fastest growing claim for store claim for store

brandsbrands

””GMO-Free”GMO-Free”

Stakeholders in GMO Debate Prepare to Clash

Again

Supermarket NewsDec 7, 2009

“The coming year promises to bring about a greater, more pervasive awareness … as opponents of GMOs bring a unified campaign — complete with a non-GMO standard — to the public…“The website and the label have the potential to spark a new round of concern among shoppers…”

2011 Neilson 2011 Neilson Survey:Survey:

Third fastest Third fastest growing health growing health

claim for claim for allall brandsbrands

””GMO-Free”GMO-Free”

Pivotal Moment in TimePivotal Moment in Time

General population

School

meals Under intense scrutiny

Removing junk foods

Health Health professionalsprofessionals“I used to test for soy

allergies all the time, but now that soy is genetically

engineered, it is so dangerous that I tell

people never to eat it—unless it says organic.”

—John H. Boyles, MD, ear, nose, and throat, and allergy specialist

May 2009 Update:May 2009 Update:The American Academy The American Academy of Environmental Medicineof Environmental Medicine

Asks Asks doctors to doctors to PrescribePrescribenon-GMOnon-GMOdietsdiets Concludes:

“GM foods pose a serious health risk.”

The American Academy The American Academy of Environmental of Environmental

MedicineMedicine““Animal studies indicate serious health risks … Animal studies indicate serious health risks … including infertility, immune dysregulation, accelerated including infertility, immune dysregulation, accelerated aging, dysregulation of genes associated with aging, dysregulation of genes associated with cholesterol synthesis, insulin regulation, cell signaling, cholesterol synthesis, insulin regulation, cell signaling, and protein formation, and changes in the liver, kidney, and protein formation, and changes in the liver, kidney, spleen and gastrointestinal system.”spleen and gastrointestinal system.”

Religious groupsReligious groups

Health-conscious shoppers 28 million adults are

“high usage” organic buyers

54 million are “temperate” organic shoppersHealth and Wellness Trends

Database

in stores in stores nationwidnationwid

ee

Non-GMO Non-GMO Education Education

CentersCenters

www.ResponsibleTechnology.www.ResponsibleTechnology.

orgorg

Retailer Retailer Campaign Campaign

KitsKits

IndependeIndependentnt3rd party3rd partyNon-GMO Non-GMO VerificationVerification

Education is Key!Education is Key!

Education is Key!Education is Key!

Spilling the Beans Spilling the Beans

Monthly Monthly

E-NewsletterE-Newsletter

www.ResponsibleResponsibleTechnologyTechnology.org

www.ResponsibleResponsibleTechnologyTechnology.org

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