Austrian Government Study Confirms Genetically Modified (GM) Crops
Threaten Human Fertility and Health Safety
Advocates Call for Immediate Ban of All GM Foods and GM Crops
IMMEDIATE RELEASE (November 13, 2008)
(Los Angeles, CA.) - A long-term feeding study commissioned by the Austrian
Agency for Health and Food Safety, managed by the Austrian Federal Ministry of
Health, Family and Youth, and carried out by Veterinary University Vienna,
confirms genetically modified (GM) corn seriously affects reproductive health
in mice. Non-GMO advocates, who have warned about this infertility link along
with other health risks, now seek an immediate ban of all GM foods and GM crops
to protect the health of humankind and the fertility of women around the world.
Feeding mice with genetically modified corn developed by the US-based Monsanto
Corporation led to lower fertility and body weight, according to the study
conducted by the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna. Lead author of
the study Professor Zentek said, there was a direct link between the decrease
in fertility and the GM diet, and that mice fed with non-GE corn reproduced
more efficiently.
In the study, Austrian scientists performed several long-term feeding trials
over 20 weeks with laboratory mice fed a diet containing 33% of a GM variety
(NK 603 x MON 810), or a closely related non-GE variety used in many countries.
Statistically significant litter size and pup weight decreases were found in
the third and fourth litters in the GM-fed mice, compared to the control group.
The corn is genetically modified with genes that produce a pesticidal toxin, as
well as genes that allow it to survive applications of Monsanto's herbicide
Roundup.
A book by author Jeffrey M. Smith, Genetic Roulette, distributed to members of
congress last year, documents 65 serious health risks of GM products, including
similar fertility problems with GM soy and GM corn: Offspring of rats fed GM
soy showed a five-fold increase in mortality, lower birth weights, and the
inability to reproduce. Male mice fed GM soy had damaged young sperm cells. The
embryo offspring of GM soy-fed mice had altered DNA functioning. Several US
farmers reported sterility or fertility problems among pigs and cows fed on GM
corn varieties. Additionally, over the last two months, investigators in India
have documented fertility problems, abortions, premature births, and other
serious health issues, including deaths, among buffaloes fed GM cottonseed
products.
The principle GM crops are soy, corn, cottonseed and canola. GM sugar from
sugar beets will also be introduced before year's end.
Mr. Smith, who is also the Executive Director of the Institute for Responsible
Technology says, "GM foods are likely responsible for several negative health
trends in the US. The government must impose an immediate ban on these
dangerous crops." He says, "Consumers don't need to wait for governmental
action. They can download a free Non-GMO Shopping Guide at
www.HealthierEating.org."
Monsanto press offices in the UK and USA were unable to provide a comment on
the findings for journalists yesterday.
The Institute for Responsible Technology's Campaign for Healthier Eating in
America mobilizes citizens, organizations, businesses, and the media, to
achieve the tipping point of consumer rejection of genetically modified foods.
The Institute educates people about the documented health risks of GMOs and
provides them with healthier non-GMO product choices.
The Institute also informs policy makers and the public around the world about
the impacts of GMOs on health, environment, the economy, and agriculture, and
the problems associated with current research, regulation, corporate practices,
and reporting.
###
Institute For Responsible Technology
Media Contact: NJ Jaeger
Expert Contact: Jeffrey M. Smith
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Phone: +1-310-377-0915
Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety
Corporate Communication: Univ.-Doz. Ingrid Kiefer
Tel: +43 50 555-25000; E-Mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Links
Austrian Study:
http://www.ages.at/ueber-uns/presse/pressemeldungen/klarstellung-zu-neuen-er
Institute for Responsible Technology: http://responsibletechnology.org
Non-GMO Shopping Guide:
http://www.responsibletechnology.org/DocumentFiles/144.pdf
Genetic Roulette: http://www.geneticroulette.com
The Mulindwas Communication Group
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