testbiotech

Suspected liver and kidney damage
French scientists have published a study revealing that rats fed for three months with genetically engineered maize showed signs of liver and kidney poisoning.
It is the first study to compare three different genetically engineered plants (NK603, MON863, MON810). The scientists evaluated data from animal experiments carried out by the agricultural company Monsanto. (De Vendômois J. S., Roullier, F., Cellier 1 D., Séralini 1 G.E., 2009, A Comparison of the Effects of Three GM Corn Varieties on Mammalian Health, Int. J. Biol. Sci.) http://www.biolsci.org/v05p0706

These findings are set to increase pressure on the European Food Standards Agency (EFSA) to tighten up their guidelines. In the EU there are currently no mandatory regulations concerning feeding trials with genetically engineered plants to assess health risks. The authority has recently demanded special feeding trials in one case, for the genetically engineered maize LY038. The companies concerned promptly withdrew their product (see also news report from Testbiotech 1 Dec. 09).
Until now the EFSA has accepted very different kinds of data for the authorisation of genetically engineered plants. The duration of feeding trials varies between 14 days and three months and can be carried out on animals such as cattle, pigs, poultry or rats. Trial parameters also vary enormously sometimes involving the collection of data on milk quantity or, in other cases particular blood values (see also report 'risk reloaded'). Specific tests, such as the ones carried out in Australia in 1995 which found that a genetically engineered pea caused life threatening immune responses, were never required in the EU. (Valenta, R. & Spök, A., 2008 Immunogenicity of GM peas, notes 239, Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (Bundesamt fuer Naturschutz, BfN) ) http://www.bfn.de/0301_veroe.html
Often the proponents of genetically engineered plants refuse outright any feeding trials to assess health risks. As did those responsible for the “Golden Rice” project, who vehemently defended their actions when it became known that their rice was being given to Chinese children to eat without any previous feeding trials: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1147635/British-scient....
To avoid unnecessary feeding trials and increase safety for consumers and the environment, Testbiotech proposes a multi-stage procedure which includes “crash tests” on genetically engineered plants (see report 'risk reloaded'). Considering all the many possible and inadequately investigated risks, conventionally cultivated plants must be regarded as fundamentally safer. In most of relevant criteria they also show a significantly better yielding.