At the request of Congress, the FDA’s and USDA’s review process for genetically engineered products is finally coming under scrutiny by the GAO.
In 2013, Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) wrote to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and asked them to look into the review system being used to regulate genetically modified crops—specifically, “to ensure that [it] fully reflects current science.” This week, the GAO agreed to begin a review of how the USDA and FDA look at the long-term safety of genetically engineered crops both in the environment and in the food supply.
Sen. Tester notes that in 1984, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy established a Coordinated Framework for Regulation of Biotechnology. They did so in an attempt to balance health and safety regulations with enough regulatory flexibility to avoid impeding growth and innovation in the biotech industry. Little has changed in this framework in the past thirty years, even though GMO science has evolved dramatically and proliferated greatly.
The current scientific approval process for GMO crops is inadequate. First, there is no legislation that is specific to GMOs. The Plant Pest Act gives USDA the power to restrict the introduction of organisms that might harm plants. In something of a stretch, USDA reasons that GMO crops qualify as “plant pests” because historically, the DNA from natural plant pathogens and/or microbial material were used in the genetic engineering of various plants. The Plant Pest Act also gives USDA the authority to regulate noxious weeds, and therefore any engineered crop that can become a noxious, hard-to-control weed can be regulated.
Likewise, the FDA is also lacking in authority over GMOs. The FDA regulates GM crops via a voluntary consultation process with the biotech industry, and GM animals under the New Animal Drug provisions. The GM salmon (which we dubbed “Frankenfish”) is undergoing this process now, and if the FDA approves it, it could open the floodgates to a whole bunch of other GM animals that have already been developed but are waiting in the wings for approval.
As you can see, there is no systemic process to comprehensively study human and health effects of GMO crops, and there is a very real potential for some crops to slip through the cracks. Several times both the USDA and the EPA have declared they have no authority over GMOs—even in what seem to be clear-cut cases where the GMO crop has the potential to become an invasive or harmful plant. The Kentucky Bluegrass controversy in 2011 shows that environmental danger means very little to the USDA, since they de-regulated a GMO because it didn’t technically use DNA from an invasive species and the agency didn’t believe it would “cause significant impact enough to warrant regulation at the federal level.”
The current regulations also don’t account for the pesticides used in conjunction with GM crops that may have wider environmental impacts. The pesticide clothianidin, for instance, expresses itself through the plants and has been linked to the decimation of honeybee populations in the US. The EPA hasn’t responded to this connection.
We reported in 2012 that the USDA was considering deregulating GMO seeds that are resistant to herbicide 2,4-D, which contains one of the ingredients in Agent Orange. We documented the pesticide’s health and environmental risks—but the USDA decided to deregulate them anyway. The EPA echoed that decision on October 15 when the agency announced its final decision to register Dow’s herbicide Enlist Duo, a toxic blend of 2,4-D and glyphosate, for use on corn and soybeans genetically engineered to tolerate both 2,4-D and glyphosate—even though the pesticide has been linked to immune system cancers, Parkinson’s disease, endocrine disruption, and reproductive problems.
The EPA is currently restricting use of Enlist Duo to a few states, but the agency is accepting comments on whether to register it for use in more states. The Center for Food Safety, together with Earthjustice, have filed suit against EPA, challenging the approval of Enlist Duo. Members of Congress and a number of notable medical doctors have urged the agency not to approve it.
All of this clearly demonstrates the need for better scientific standards—or shall we say “real” scientific standards!
According to the investment firm Portfolio 21, which does environmental, social, and governmental analysis as part of its investment research, agriculture biotechnology represents an unacceptable level of risk. They report that the current scientific evaluation process for GMOs “can be subject to extensive manipulation.” Private industry is a big funder for all agricultural research, and this dictates what gets studied (and what doesn’t). “Finding experts in the field without bias becomes next to impossible as scientists and researchers must toe the corporate line or risk their livelihoods,” according to their report.
Bias, and vested interests, keep GMOs in use. In 1993, the FDA wrote in a document that promoting the US biotech industry globally was their priority over ensuring the genetic engineering processes are safe. Biotech industry leaders take powerful political roles including:
- The FDA’s Deputy Commissioner for Foods, Michael R. Taylor, was previously vice president of public policy for Monsanto.
- Virginia Weldon, a member of the FDA’s Endocrine and Metabolism Advisory Committee, was also vice president of public policy for Monsanto.
- Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas was a lawyer for Monsanto from 1976 to 1979.
- Former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld was the CEO of Searle (which later merged with Monsanto) when aspartame was legalized.
In fact, over twenty-five politicians, from present and former heads of the USDA to the president’s chief of staff, have all had significant ties to Monsanto and its subsidiaries.
Sen. Jon Tester has been one of our champions for quite some time. He created an exemption in the burdensome FDA Food Safety Modernization Act regulations for smaller farmers. Sen. Tester is well equipped to speak on issues of GMO crops and food safety—he’s a third-generation Montana farmer, and an organic farmer to boot! Sen. Tester asked the GAO to study the applicability of the Coordinated Framework as it applies to:
- Food Safety: According to Sen. Tester, it was assumed that eating GMOs is as safe as food grown conventionally—the FDA has only a voluntary consultation process with the biotech industry before they market new food products, and the biotech industry submits their own safety data to the FDA, which conducts no studies independently. There have been no independent, long-term safety studies of GMOs (in fact, few independent safety studies of any length), and the few that exist present some serious red flags. It is difficult to get raw data because many biotech companies keep the info about their GMOs proprietary.
- International Trade: Tester notes that some major export markets do not allow any GMOs, which has a negative impact on US trade—as we reported previously.
- Oversight of Experimental Crops: Tester discussed the recently discovered GMO wheat contamination in organic fields, noting that it undermines public confidence in the oversight of field testing. This is of particular concern as crops engineered to produce pharmaceuticals or chemicals could have a profound impact on human health.
- Non-Food Industrial Crops: Increasingly, crops are engineered for non-food purposes such as energy production, pharmaceutical purposes, etc., which makes them useless as food. If they accidently cross-pollinate conventional food crops, there could be significant economic losses for farmers, as well as a serious health risk to the public.
As we have discussed in past, the current regulatory framework is completely unprepared to grapple with evolving GMO issues (and consequences!). We are hopeful that this GAO investigation will reveal specific flaws in the current system, laying the groundwork for some major reforms.
The GAO is an independent, nonpartisan watchdog agency that works for Congress. It investigates how the federal government spends your tax dollars, and is an important way that the government is held accountable for its decisions. The GAO conducts independent research at the request of congressional committees or subcommittees, which is exactly what is needed in the GMO battle. This research could lay the groundwork for legislative action, though it is still up to Congress to introduce and pass legislation about GMOs. That’s a tall order, and there are no guarantees—especially given the huge influence exerted by the biotech industry.
ANH-USA is watching the situation as it develops. ANH-USA and our allies have been working toward GMO labeling on both the federal and the state level. This year alone, there have been many promising state initiatives, with Vermont being the first state to pass GMO legislation with no strings attached. Both Oregon and Colorado will be voting on important GMO ballot initiatives on November 4.
PLease. Please do everything to prohibit GMO food! The European countries are smarter and more caring about their people.
Let’s do all we can do to stop GMO food!
PLease. Please do everything to prohibit GMO food! The European countries are smarter and more caring about their people.
Let’s do all we can do to stop GMO food!
Papa Bush gave Monsanto a free reign to do what they want. They have had it ever since the meeting with Senior Bush. When he was running for Presidential office, Obama promised that GMO’s would be labeled if he was elected. Noticed how he didn’t do anything about it once he was elected. That is because of Monsanto’s power. The American people must get vocal and participate in rallies and marches that are in favor of getting foods with GMO’s labeled. Keep speaking and out let your voices be heard.
Papa Bush gave Monsanto a free reign to do what they want. They have had it ever since the meeting with Senior Bush. When he was running for Presidential office, Obama promised that GMO’s would be labeled if he was elected. Noticed how he didn’t do anything about it once he was elected. That is because of Monsanto’s power. The American people must get vocal and participate in rallies and marches that are in favor of getting foods with GMO’s labeled. Keep speaking and out let your voices be heard.
I saw a map some time ago of the areas in the world that oppose GMOs. It left a strong impression. It was outside a health food store. I’m wondering whether you could find it and include it in your messages about this, and your emails.
Maybe you could research this on the Internet, find the map, and post the URL in your next comment on this forum. That would be great. Here’s an example below. . .
http://maplight.org/content/73337
I saw a map some time ago of the areas in the world that oppose GMOs. It left a strong impression. It was outside a health food store. I’m wondering whether you could find it and include it in your messages about this, and your emails.
Maybe you could research this on the Internet, find the map, and post the URL in your next comment on this forum. That would be great. Here’s an example below. . .
http://maplight.org/content/73337
The FDA should make any maker of GMO food criminally liable – not the company but the senior management and the board of directors. A federal law should be passed preventing these officers from obtaining insurance that shields them from monetary penalties. No EU board member has such insurance, the same should be true in the US. That will focus everyone’s attention very quickly.
The FDA should make any maker of GMO food criminally liable – not the company but the senior management and the board of directors. A federal law should be passed preventing these officers from obtaining insurance that shields them from monetary penalties. No EU board member has such insurance, the same should be true in the US. That will focus everyone’s attention very quickly.
This is a good step. It is hard to believe that after 15 years of protests and concerns from citizens that there has been very little independent testing and what has been done, if not favorable to the industry has been rebuked by that industry. This experiment on humans, land, water, soil, insects, weeds, animals and soil micro-organisms has potentially contributed to greater risk of disease , poor growing conditions and and water contamination and more.
I hope the GAO can do pure research without big money influencing the outcome. We all depend on real scientific findings to secure our sustainable future. This is really necessary!
This is a good step. It is hard to believe that after 15 years of protests and concerns from citizens that there has been very little independent testing and what has been done, if not favorable to the industry has been rebuked by that industry. This experiment on humans, land, water, soil, insects, weeds, animals and soil micro-organisms has potentially contributed to greater risk of disease , poor growing conditions and and water contamination and more.
I hope the GAO can do pure research without big money influencing the outcome. We all depend on real scientific findings to secure our sustainable future. This is really necessary!
I buy non GMO grains and make my own bread. I never buy fish unless it is wild caught. We each have to look out for ourselves as well as support legislation that serves everyone better.
I buy non GMO grains and make my own bread. I never buy fish unless it is wild caught. We each have to look out for ourselves as well as support legislation that serves everyone better.
It is so good to see this. Maui County, Hawaii has a proposed Moritorium on GMO pending evidence based independent studies to reveal the safety claimed by Monsanto, Mcycogen etc who have inundated the Hawaiian Islands with there bio-tech testing sites. Maui is the biggest BT Corn production testing site in the world. Monsanto has spent about 7 million here campaining against the bill. They are skilled at promoting propoganda to scew and present biased information. They supplement the community with funds and back politicians and media so they will promote their view and disregard the people in community who are educated enought to know these pesticides, herbicides and gene altered seed affect the surrounding community. Bees dying is just one the evidences that indicate something is fishy in paradise.
It is so good to see this. Maui County, Hawaii has a proposed Moritorium on GMO pending evidence based independent studies to reveal the safety claimed by Monsanto, Mcycogen etc who have inundated the Hawaiian Islands with there bio-tech testing sites. Maui is the biggest BT Corn production testing site in the world. Monsanto has spent about 7 million here campaining against the bill. They are skilled at promoting propoganda to scew and present biased information. They supplement the community with funds and back politicians and media so they will promote their view and disregard the people in community who are educated enought to know these pesticides, herbicides and gene altered seed affect the surrounding community. Bees dying is just one the evidences that indicate something is fishy in paradise.
It isn’t too much to expect real scientific examination of our use of chemicals and antibiotics in our food supply. Since these things haven’t stood the scrutiny of science, I want to have labeling in place so I can control what I consume. Please go forward with an examination of our farming practices as they relate to genetic modification, pesticide/herbicide use and antibiotics. Thanks.
It isn’t too much to expect real scientific examination of our use of chemicals and antibiotics in our food supply. Since these things haven’t stood the scrutiny of science, I want to have labeling in place so I can control what I consume. Please go forward with an examination of our farming practices as they relate to genetic modification, pesticide/herbicide use and antibiotics. Thanks.
It’s about time. Congress really should begin listening to nutritionists and doctors, scientists as opposed to Big Food and Big Ag companies who benefit financially from GMOs.
I would not listen to too many doctors, either. I work for them- and they are in the pockets of Big Pharma. It is not profitable to make people well.
It’s about time. Congress really should begin listening to nutritionists and doctors, scientists as opposed to Big Food and Big Ag companies who benefit financially from GMOs.
I would not listen to too many doctors, either. I work for them- and they are in the pockets of Big Pharma. It is not profitable to make people well.
Alabama…we want gmo labeling on everything…
Alabama…we want gmo labeling on everything…
They are scrutinizing it because no country wants to import it. It is not about protecting the people, it’s about the might $$$$$$$
They are scrutinizing it because no country wants to import it. It is not about protecting the people, it’s about the might $$$$$$$
The FDA’s Deputy Commissioner for Foods, Michael R. Taylor, was previously vice president of public policy for Monsanto.
Virginia Weldon, a member of the FDA’s Endocrine and Metabolism Advisory Committee, was also vice president of public policy for Monsanto.
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas was a lawyer for Monsanto from 1976 to 1979.
Former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld was the CEO of Searle (which later merged with Monsanto) when aspartame was legalized.
Gee I wonder why Monsanto has a pass for anything they decide to do. It is time for the departments that oversee GMOs and biotechs start doing their jobs and stop rubber stamping anything Monsanto wants. 69 other countries have banned GMOs and most of Monsantos products for the destructive damage they do to the environment, and we allow our country to be posioned.
It is time to stop this now. Greed is ruining our country and will be our downfall if it is not stopped.
The FDA’s Deputy Commissioner for Foods, Michael R. Taylor, was previously vice president of public policy for Monsanto.
Virginia Weldon, a member of the FDA’s Endocrine and Metabolism Advisory Committee, was also vice president of public policy for Monsanto.
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas was a lawyer for Monsanto from 1976 to 1979.
Former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld was the CEO of Searle (which later merged with Monsanto) when aspartame was legalized.
Gee I wonder why Monsanto has a pass for anything they decide to do. It is time for the departments that oversee GMOs and biotechs start doing their jobs and stop rubber stamping anything Monsanto wants. 69 other countries have banned GMOs and most of Monsantos products for the destructive damage they do to the environment, and we allow our country to be posioned.
It is time to stop this now. Greed is ruining our country and will be our downfall if it is not stopped.
The Academy of Environmental Medicine has a position paper on its website that cites documented, foot-noted studies showing that GM foods cause serious organ damage in test animals and render them sterile in two or three generations.
Several years ago, Scientific American magazine ran a major article decrying the fact that Monsanto refuses to sell its GM seeds to independent scientists for testing purposes unless the scientists agree not to publish test results without Monsanto’s approval.
Interesting, David!
The Academy of Environmental Medicine has a position paper on its website that cites documented, foot-noted studies showing that GM foods cause serious organ damage in test animals and render them sterile in two or three generations.
Several years ago, Scientific American magazine ran a major article decrying the fact that Monsanto refuses to sell its GM seeds to independent scientists for testing purposes unless the scientists agree not to publish test results without Monsanto’s approval.
Interesting, David!
thanks for an informative piece of work. -Paul
thanks for an informative piece of work. -Paul
Good news … maybe. It remains to be seen whether the GAO is immune from corporate influence, unlike the rest of the Administration. But in the meantime, kudos to the appropriately-named Senator Tester.
Good news … maybe. It remains to be seen whether the GAO is immune from corporate influence, unlike the rest of the Administration. But in the meantime, kudos to the appropriately-named Senator Tester.
thank goodness there has been some sanity brought to this process, finally. We can’t be one of the only countries in the world that knows more then any of them. We can’t cherry pick valid research from other countries, saying this we will accept, but this we won’t. American is a country that used to lead the world. I would like to see us lead, by making our citizens the healthiest in the world, instead of having life spans less then many other industrialized nations.
Rosetta Johnston
thank goodness there has been some sanity brought to this process, finally. We can’t be one of the only countries in the world that knows more then any of them. We can’t cherry pick valid research from other countries, saying this we will accept, but this we won’t. American is a country that used to lead the world. I would like to see us lead, by making our citizens the healthiest in the world, instead of having life spans less then many other industrialized nations.
Rosetta Johnston
Wonderful newsletter and update – thank you for all the great work and service you provide.
Among the many points that are of importance concerning the dangers of GMO and agricultural biotech development, Senator Tester could add a fifth bullet to the four above regrading the long struggle of independent conventional farmers who have been persecuted and sued for unintentional contamination of GMO seeds from neighboring farms. Even more disturbing are the certified organic farmers who stand to loose everything when their farms and crops are ruined due to GMO contamination and cross-pollination.
Creating some effective form of protection from such an invasive industry for our fledgling organic growers in an environment dominated by industrialized agriculture is essential to ensure the continuation of our organic food supply as it grows in demand and popularity.
Thank you again for all you do!!!
Wonderful newsletter and update – thank you for all the great work and service you provide.
Among the many points that are of importance concerning the dangers of GMO and agricultural biotech development, Senator Tester could add a fifth bullet to the four above regrading the long struggle of independent conventional farmers who have been persecuted and sued for unintentional contamination of GMO seeds from neighboring farms. Even more disturbing are the certified organic farmers who stand to loose everything when their farms and crops are ruined due to GMO contamination and cross-pollination.
Creating some effective form of protection from such an invasive industry for our fledgling organic growers in an environment dominated by industrialized agriculture is essential to ensure the continuation of our organic food supply as it grows in demand and popularity.
Thank you again for all you do!!!
This has been long past due. So glad to see the beginning stages anyway!!
This has been long past due. So glad to see the beginning stages anyway!!
Stop GMOS now! STOP poisoning the food supply, STOP poisoning the people today, and make the companies and the people that push GMO’s pay for their crimes.
Stop GMOS now! STOP poisoning the food supply, STOP poisoning the people today, and make the companies and the people that push GMO’s pay for their crimes.
So there is a little hope to see finally reasonable action?
Please gather so many scientists, farmers as possible, to initiate the education and hopefully a change in the nearest future, before it is too late…
So there is a little hope to see finally reasonable action?
Please gather so many scientists, farmers as possible, to initiate the education and hopefully a change in the nearest future, before it is too late…
What are the purveyors of GMO food afraid of? If they are sure that the food is safe, then let the Board of Directors of Monsanto agree not to have insurance that protects them from law suits. There unwillingness to do this, should concern everyone.
What are the purveyors of GMO food afraid of? If they are sure that the food is safe, then let the Board of Directors of Monsanto agree not to have insurance that protects them from law suits. There unwillingness to do this, should concern everyone.
I am very concerned that powerful industrial chemical agriculture interests are being allowed to poison the populace without proper oversight or regulation of their profit motivated interest.
I am very concerned that powerful industrial chemical agriculture interests are being allowed to poison the populace without proper oversight or regulation of their profit motivated interest.
Since GMOs affect everything that has a heartbeat, wouldn’t it have been better to spend all those millions of dollars on creating a healthier product? If the government continues to give biotech companies the green light to poison us, why not boycott every Monsanto, and the like, product? We, the consumer, do have a voice. The dollar speaks. Why not write your representatives telling them “64 other countries want truth in labeling and so do we.” If you fail to participate in guarding the health of your children, parents, siblings, and pets and further become complacent about what is in your food, then you will be serving the enemy. There is no better way to bring a country down then to adulterate its food supply. Think about it.
I have written to my congressmen and representatives about the long-term untested-ness of GMO’s and what I get back from them is practically the same blah, blah letter telling me that the science is not in, that all is good in America etc. I just shake my head, because folks in the trenches and on the ground seem to say different. But some all shrug their shoulders – and say so . . . what can I do about it as they munch on their bag of cheesy pops and corn chips – low calorie – of course.
In my opinion, and unfortunately due to a local farm test site, my garden is not the organic home for bees and food source I had planned. Friends from Florida, Georgia, and even Oregon have lost bee activity, and one tested her organic garden and found gmo infested seed.
The FDA and our government could very well be in the thrall of Monsanto etc. When it comes to getting money for elections etc. then it is a (in my opinion) crime for our government to be run as a ” for personal profit business”.
Since GMOs affect everything that has a heartbeat, wouldn’t it have been better to spend all those millions of dollars on creating a healthier product? If the government continues to give biotech companies the green light to poison us, why not boycott every Monsanto, and the like, product? We, the consumer, do have a voice. The dollar speaks. Why not write your representatives telling them “64 other countries want truth in labeling and so do we.” If you fail to participate in guarding the health of your children, parents, siblings, and pets and further become complacent about what is in your food, then you will be serving the enemy. There is no better way to bring a country down then to adulterate its food supply. Think about it.
I have written to my congressmen and representatives about the long-term untested-ness of GMO’s and what I get back from them is practically the same blah, blah letter telling me that the science is not in, that all is good in America etc. I just shake my head, because folks in the trenches and on the ground seem to say different. But some all shrug their shoulders – and say so . . . what can I do about it as they munch on their bag of cheesy pops and corn chips – low calorie – of course.
In my opinion, and unfortunately due to a local farm test site, my garden is not the organic home for bees and food source I had planned. Friends from Florida, Georgia, and even Oregon have lost bee activity, and one tested her organic garden and found gmo infested seed.
The FDA and our government could very well be in the thrall of Monsanto etc. When it comes to getting money for elections etc. then it is a (in my opinion) crime for our government to be run as a ” for personal profit business”.
I have studied the United Nations Agenda 21 for several years, which includes plans to phase out all organic farming, all home-grown vegetable gardening, & making all vitamin supplements illegal. The United Nations believes that organic farming & homegrown food is “Unsustainable”, as is the family unit. The UN wants to take control of all production of food (GMO’s only) & control water supplies. It is a nefarious agenda in addition to the “soft kill” depopulation scheme that has been perpetrated upon the masses since 1952, such as adding fluoride, a known neurotoxin to all municipal water supplies, oral hygiene products, & adding metals such as Aluminum to injections & deodorants. In addition, dentists historically have used Amalgam fillings. Every facet of our lives has been attacked with products that are dangerous to human health.
Now as we deal with GMO’s, we also have to deal with Smart Meters, microwave ovens, cell phones/cell towers, blow dryers, and Wi/Fi, which also puts out huge electromagnetic fields (ELF’s)that have been proven to have detrimental effects on biological systems. Any appliance that emits heat puts out huge ELF’s. It is no secret that the Powers That Be want to reduce the world population down to 500 million as stated on the American Stonehenge in Georgia (Guide Stones). The United Nations, totally supported by the US government, plans on maneuvering any way it possibly can get away with to accomplish its goals.
To add to your comment about the reduction of world population…this is true. When we look at world population as a whole, at 7 billion plus, 93% of the population is non-white. Of the remaining 7%, which equals 500 million, give or take a few, that is the white population of the earth. This entire plan is horrible and many in corporate America will do their part to further this insidious plot. The uber rich, including the likes of Bill Gates have videos on YouTube talking about population reduction.
Feeding us chemically tainted food is causing much illness and has increased the number of food allergies people have. Example: some people are allergic to peanuts. Some of these allergies are indeed caused by the food, but when was the last time peanuts were non-GMO? The majority of our corn and soy crops are GMO. The number of products made with corn or soy is enormous and as much as we try to avoid GMO foods, we can’t. That cornstarch or corn syrup in a product was made with GMO corn. I do not trust anything but organic foods and the ‘Powers That Be’ want to eradicate that, too. You can be sure than none of the 500 million who they want to preserve is eating GMO foods.
If we can’t get a government agency, like the GAO to study this, we are surely doomed. All the power was given to the corporations to do as they wish, which was what our founding fathers fought so hard to prevent. I’m so thoroughly disgusted with this entire GMO and drugged foods, that I wish we would force this stuff down the throats of those in Congress and see how they like eating it!! When they become ill, or the members of their families become ill, then we’ll see legislation against GMOs and the power will be taken away from the Monsantos, Dows. Sygentas and others of their nefarious ilk and maybe we can put them out of business!
I have studied the United Nations Agenda 21 for several years, which includes plans to phase out all organic farming, all home-grown vegetable gardening, & making all vitamin supplements illegal. The United Nations believes that organic farming & homegrown food is “Unsustainable”, as is the family unit. The UN wants to take control of all production of food (GMO’s only) & control water supplies. It is a nefarious agenda in addition to the “soft kill” depopulation scheme that has been perpetrated upon the masses since 1952, such as adding fluoride, a known neurotoxin to all municipal water supplies, oral hygiene products, & adding metals such as Aluminum to injections & deodorants. In addition, dentists historically have used Amalgam fillings. Every facet of our lives has been attacked with products that are dangerous to human health.
Now as we deal with GMO’s, we also have to deal with Smart Meters, microwave ovens, cell phones/cell towers, blow dryers, and Wi/Fi, which also puts out huge electromagnetic fields (ELF’s)that have been proven to have detrimental effects on biological systems. Any appliance that emits heat puts out huge ELF’s. It is no secret that the Powers That Be want to reduce the world population down to 500 million as stated on the American Stonehenge in Georgia (Guide Stones). The United Nations, totally supported by the US government, plans on maneuvering any way it possibly can get away with to accomplish its goals.
To add to your comment about the reduction of world population…this is true. When we look at world population as a whole, at 7 billion plus, 93% of the population is non-white. Of the remaining 7%, which equals 500 million, give or take a few, that is the white population of the earth. This entire plan is horrible and many in corporate America will do their part to further this insidious plot. The uber rich, including the likes of Bill Gates have videos on YouTube talking about population reduction.
Feeding us chemically tainted food is causing much illness and has increased the number of food allergies people have. Example: some people are allergic to peanuts. Some of these allergies are indeed caused by the food, but when was the last time peanuts were non-GMO? The majority of our corn and soy crops are GMO. The number of products made with corn or soy is enormous and as much as we try to avoid GMO foods, we can’t. That cornstarch or corn syrup in a product was made with GMO corn. I do not trust anything but organic foods and the ‘Powers That Be’ want to eradicate that, too. You can be sure than none of the 500 million who they want to preserve is eating GMO foods.
If we can’t get a government agency, like the GAO to study this, we are surely doomed. All the power was given to the corporations to do as they wish, which was what our founding fathers fought so hard to prevent. I’m so thoroughly disgusted with this entire GMO and drugged foods, that I wish we would force this stuff down the throats of those in Congress and see how they like eating it!! When they become ill, or the members of their families become ill, then we’ll see legislation against GMOs and the power will be taken away from the Monsantos, Dows. Sygentas and others of their nefarious ilk and maybe we can put them out of business!
Unfortunately the FDA is embedded with the biotech industry.
Unfortunately the USDA is embedded with, and a mouthpiece for, Industrial Agriculture.
The world’s populations want healthy unadulterated food – No one wants to eat its pesticide-saturated, nutrition-diminished, gene-spliced and soil-destroying imitation.
The combined forces of the US Government, biotech industries and industrial agriculture are killing life on this planet with malice aforethought given the total abdication of promised safety and oversight by the FDA and the USDA.
Unfortunately the FDA is embedded with the biotech industry.
Unfortunately the USDA is embedded with, and a mouthpiece for, Industrial Agriculture.
The world’s populations want healthy unadulterated food – No one wants to eat its pesticide-saturated, nutrition-diminished, gene-spliced and soil-destroying imitation.
The combined forces of the US Government, biotech industries and industrial agriculture are killing life on this planet with malice aforethought given the total abdication of promised safety and oversight by the FDA and the USDA.
The whole GMO business has been forced upon the population without consent… There is no other item in history that a seller can sell something without disclosure to a buyer… If it was a drug item, a prescription would be required….
If water was added as an ingredient to a product, it must be on the label, but if it is an insecticide or some other foreign substance, it is approved by the corrupt bodies of the FDA or the USDA, just because insecticide companies say so, and the lobbyist pull their strings….
We need the FDA and the USDA to be ruled by people other than corporate puppets and to do their job….
The whole GMO business has been forced upon the population without consent… There is no other item in history that a seller can sell something without disclosure to a buyer… If it was a drug item, a prescription would be required….
If water was added as an ingredient to a product, it must be on the label, but if it is an insecticide or some other foreign substance, it is approved by the corrupt bodies of the FDA or the USDA, just because insecticide companies say so, and the lobbyist pull their strings….
We need the FDA and the USDA to be ruled by people other than corporate puppets and to do their job….
Exactly, we are not allowed our say in the matter at all because of all the money the FDA AND USDA are making from all this crap! And if you read on natural news, they are arresting people for growing their own food! We don’t even have a choice of buying natural milk without the processing that takes the good stuff out and then they put out stupid commercials that say how good this “milk” is for you! Bullsh t! If is so good for us, why are so many people getting cancer and sick? Because big Pharma doesn’t want people to be well, because if we were to be well how would they make any money? Our honey bees are dying because of 3 issues: a mite, pesticides, and they don’t know. How terrible because without the honey bee, we have no food! We have to go back to nature and let the ground be pollution free, to have our families and our future to continue. We don’t need GMO’s, we need our honey bees and nature the way it is intended to be. How much greed does a company need? And this is what it’s all about greed,
Maui County in Hawaii is also in a battle over placing a temporary moratorium on GMO seed cropping until independent testing on health effects to the ‘aina (environment) and the people can be performed. The citizens’ Initiative includes requiring industry— in this case Monsanto and Dow/Mycogen—to perform an EPHIS (Environmental and Public Health Impact Statement). GMO research and development have been happening here in Maui County for the past 15 years, yet never have these companies done an EIS. On Nov 4 this Citizen’s Initiative, the County’s first, will be on the ballot. Industry has spent close to $4 million to misinform and confuse the public on the intent, even the facts, of the Bill with slick glossy mailers, newspaper ads, TV commercials and testimonials from farmers, community leaders and politicians urging a NO vote. A PAC formed by industry named “Citizens Against the Farming Ban” has spun the issue 180 degrees from its true purpose, creating fear and mistrust among farmers and ordinary citizens. Pesticide applications on these fields are extremely frequent (300 days of the year) and with at least 80 chemicals creating a trillion combinations, resulting in unknown health effects. The EPA has never tested the formulations of chemicals that are applied, only the Active Ingredient of the products. The Initiative asks for a YES vote to TEST. We’re down to the wire, canvasing door to door, presenting to civic organizations, churches, parent groups, farmers, all in an attempt to inform folks of the real issues and what’s at stake. Please network our push for democracy. Mahalo and Aloha.
Actually they have spent over $ 7 million in their effort on Maui, They say the impact of job loss on the community will be tremendous, but they don’t say how or why. They have spent millions nationwide to fight labeling and in our community will not spend the money on independent testing. the more I read about how they use loopholes to avoid labeling GM modified plants such as Round-Up resistant Kentucky Bluegrass is astounding. I say if it’s so great Be Proud Monsanto Label it, give us studies to show how it is good for the environment how it is safe to ingest Roundup.
When in the history of our country have large companies been so eager to hide information about themselves? It does lead to the question – What are you trying to hide? Why have they been sued so many times? Why is it cost worthy to fight on every front instead of offer the communities what they are asking for?
Thank you for bringing this article out, people need more information about how we are being poisoned and to know the truth, these chemical companies are not farmers, The herbicide infected genes should not been in our food or livestock feed. Chemical companies should not be in charge of our regulating food and safety authorities or our food.
Maui County in Hawaii is also in a battle over placing a temporary moratorium on GMO seed cropping until independent testing on health effects to the ‘aina (environment) and the people can be performed. The citizens’ Initiative includes requiring industry— in this case Monsanto and Dow/Mycogen—to perform an EPHIS (Environmental and Public Health Impact Statement). GMO research and development have been happening here in Maui County for the past 15 years, yet never have these companies done an EIS. On Nov 4 this Citizen’s Initiative, the County’s first, will be on the ballot. Industry has spent close to $4 million to misinform and confuse the public on the intent, even the facts, of the Bill with slick glossy mailers, newspaper ads, TV commercials and testimonials from farmers, community leaders and politicians urging a NO vote. A PAC formed by industry named “Citizens Against the Farming Ban” has spun the issue 180 degrees from its true purpose, creating fear and mistrust among farmers and ordinary citizens. Pesticide applications on these fields are extremely frequent (300 days of the year) and with at least 80 chemicals creating a trillion combinations, resulting in unknown health effects. The EPA has never tested the formulations of chemicals that are applied, only the Active Ingredient of the products. The Initiative asks for a YES vote to TEST. We’re down to the wire, canvasing door to door, presenting to civic organizations, churches, parent groups, farmers, all in an attempt to inform folks of the real issues and what’s at stake. Please network our push for democracy. Mahalo and Aloha.
Actually they have spent over $ 7 million in their effort on Maui, They say the impact of job loss on the community will be tremendous, but they don’t say how or why. They have spent millions nationwide to fight labeling and in our community will not spend the money on independent testing. the more I read about how they use loopholes to avoid labeling GM modified plants such as Round-Up resistant Kentucky Bluegrass is astounding. I say if it’s so great Be Proud Monsanto Label it, give us studies to show how it is good for the environment how it is safe to ingest Roundup.
When in the history of our country have large companies been so eager to hide information about themselves? It does lead to the question – What are you trying to hide? Why have they been sued so many times? Why is it cost worthy to fight on every front instead of offer the communities what they are asking for?
Thank you for bringing this article out, people need more information about how we are being poisoned and to know the truth, these chemical companies are not farmers, The herbicide infected genes should not been in our food or livestock feed. Chemical companies should not be in charge of our regulating food and safety authorities or our food.
the current state regarding the lack of oversight for the approval ..–or better yet for the lack of requirements/legislation for GMO crops approval– is APPALLING considering that the public health is part of a dangerous experiment of which we R involuntary participants!
We urge our legislators that have integrity left to STOP this madness and begin GMO s regulation & allow them to be used in our food as well as for animal feed after they are appropriately studied.. just FDA does with medicines..
Thank you, I am one of many voting citizen
the current state regarding the lack of oversight for the approval ..–or better yet for the lack of requirements/legislation for GMO crops approval– is APPALLING considering that the public health is part of a dangerous experiment of which we R involuntary participants!
We urge our legislators that have integrity left to STOP this madness and begin GMO s regulation & allow them to be used in our food as well as for animal feed after they are appropriately studied.. just FDA does with medicines..
Thank you, I am one of many voting citizen
Why does anybody have the right to control our food supply?There is no good reason to use this freak food that does nothing but destroy our earth with the pesticides they have use.I do not want to eat this crap,as a BEE KEEPER I see first hand the damage this causes.Do you eat this so called food?Ibelieve it is high time to start using some common sense.It is no wonder we have so many health problems,and our wildlife dying.
Why does anybody have the right to control our food supply?There is no good reason to use this freak food that does nothing but destroy our earth with the pesticides they have use.I do not want to eat this crap,as a BEE KEEPER I see first hand the damage this causes.Do you eat this so called food?Ibelieve it is high time to start using some common sense.It is no wonder we have so many health problems,and our wildlife dying.
Labels should be mandatory. We have the right to know what we are putting in our bodies. GMOS are not healthy to humans, animal, insects and many more . If there is nothing wrong with GMOS why do they want to hide it by fighting putting labels on products?
Labels should be mandatory. We have the right to know what we are putting in our bodies. GMOS are not healthy to humans, animal, insects and many more . If there is nothing wrong with GMOS why do they want to hide it by fighting putting labels on products?
Allowing profit-seeking companies to self-regulate is an absurd approach to consumer safety. Patent laws severely limit the type of research that can be published about up-and-coming products, especially genetically modified organisms and pesticides. Without allowing unbiased, outside research and subsequent publications, the only research being disclosed originates from those with something to gain by the spin they are presenting. It’s basic statistics. “Who is conducting the research? Do they have an agenda?” Findings of fact should always be permissible professional publications, even when they reflect unfavorably on a good or service. The limitations which prevent unfavorable research results from reaching the public when said results may hinder marketability are unfounded. This in no way protects consumers from the potential hazards presented by newly developed chemical compounds and bioengineered organisms. Moreover, the parameters for testing periods are far too lax. How can we understand the risks of chronic exposure to these “innovations” when approval is granted after only brief testing? What about the possible confounding factors that aren’t even being considered? These regulations (or lack thereof) take advantage of the citizens relying on governmental regulatory agencies to protect and inform. We’re not getting that for which we are paying. Allowing these products to market without fully understanding their expansive spectrum of impact was and is irresponsible, but failing to mandate labeling so that whatever issues eventually arise from chronic use and/or exposure can be traceable is criminal. If genetically modified food products are “safe,” why are the companies responsible for their prominence in the market so vehemently opposed to labeling them? Let common sense guide you. Ensure that the proper safeguards are in place to protect the health and longevity of the environment and our country’s citizens, and if you can’t accomplish that responsibility then at least leave a trail of breadcrumbs behind so we can reach educated conclusions about the consequences or harmlessness of that which has been so rashly approved. Pesticides and GMOs have become unavoidable in our markets. It’s unacceptable that in most parts of our country, these scarcely understood products have crowded out the alternatives leaving consumers no choice as to what they consume. Persistent pesticides don’t start and stop on someone’s crop…
Allowing profit-seeking companies to self-regulate is an absurd approach to consumer safety. Patent laws severely limit the type of research that can be published about up-and-coming products, especially genetically modified organisms and pesticides. Without allowing unbiased, outside research and subsequent publications, the only research being disclosed originates from those with something to gain by the spin they are presenting. It’s basic statistics. “Who is conducting the research? Do they have an agenda?” Findings of fact should always be permissible professional publications, even when they reflect unfavorably on a good or service. The limitations which prevent unfavorable research results from reaching the public when said results may hinder marketability are unfounded. This in no way protects consumers from the potential hazards presented by newly developed chemical compounds and bioengineered organisms. Moreover, the parameters for testing periods are far too lax. How can we understand the risks of chronic exposure to these “innovations” when approval is granted after only brief testing? What about the possible confounding factors that aren’t even being considered? These regulations (or lack thereof) take advantage of the citizens relying on governmental regulatory agencies to protect and inform. We’re not getting that for which we are paying. Allowing these products to market without fully understanding their expansive spectrum of impact was and is irresponsible, but failing to mandate labeling so that whatever issues eventually arise from chronic use and/or exposure can be traceable is criminal. If genetically modified food products are “safe,” why are the companies responsible for their prominence in the market so vehemently opposed to labeling them? Let common sense guide you. Ensure that the proper safeguards are in place to protect the health and longevity of the environment and our country’s citizens, and if you can’t accomplish that responsibility then at least leave a trail of breadcrumbs behind so we can reach educated conclusions about the consequences or harmlessness of that which has been so rashly approved. Pesticides and GMOs have become unavoidable in our markets. It’s unacceptable that in most parts of our country, these scarcely understood products have crowded out the alternatives leaving consumers no choice as to what they consume. Persistent pesticides don’t start and stop on someone’s crop…
Maui County has a temporary moratorium bill on the November 4th ballot to conduct Environmental and Public Impact Study. Environmental and population health and safety advocates are challenged by about several million dollars worth of media advertising by these companies who are against the bill. I sincerely hope that Maui County will come through.
Maui County has a temporary moratorium bill on the November 4th ballot to conduct Environmental and Public Impact Study. Environmental and population health and safety advocates are challenged by about several million dollars worth of media advertising by these companies who are against the bill. I sincerely hope that Maui County will come through.
To all commentators in this forum, in the future please consider providing live-links (embedded URLs, references) in your postings regarding the unholy alliance between multinationals like Monsanto (Monsatan), Dow Chemical, and other corporate entities and the government corruptocracy.
A few examples. . .
http://maplight.org/data-release/data-release-ca-ballot-prop-37-gmo-labeling-funding-profile
http://maplight.org/data-release/data-release-failed-ca-prop-37-gmo-labeling-funding-profile-55m-raised
To all commentators in this forum, in the future please consider providing live-links (embedded URLs, references) in your postings regarding the unholy alliance between multinationals like Monsanto (Monsatan), Dow Chemical, and other corporate entities and the government corruptocracy.
A few examples. . .
http://maplight.org/data-release/data-release-ca-ballot-prop-37-gmo-labeling-funding-profile
http://maplight.org/data-release/data-release-failed-ca-prop-37-gmo-labeling-funding-profile-55m-raised
I am very opposed to the GMO production,all they are doing is killing people,animals, and any living organisms off to please their wallet sizes!!! They disgust me and with having 3 children of my own, I want to know that they will be living full, healthy lives.with GMO running things, I know that won’t ever happen!! The government needs to shut down this atrocity before they ruin the great works we live in!! As a human species we have decreased the beauty of this world by building factories, modes of transportation, roads, repopulating and not replanting, the least we can do before we have nothing left for our children is to STOP GMO before all he’ll breaks loose!!!