|
|
|
|
|
Jeffrey M. Smith, MBA, Director, Institute for Responsible Technology, PO Box 469, Fairfield, IA 52556, 641-472-8338, jeffrey@seedsofdeception.com
Jeffrey M. Smith, author of the international bestseller, Seeds of Deception, documents how industry manipulation and political collusion—not sound science—allow genetically engineered food into our diet, and how incriminating evidence of health dangers has been covered up.
Scientists were offered bribes or threatened. Evidence was stolen. Data was omitted or distorted. Studies were rigged to avoid finding problems. Government employees who complained were harassed, stripped of responsibilities, or fired. FDA scientists who warned of potential toxins, allergies, and new diseases, were ignored by their superiors, including a former attorney for a biotech company. The government withheld information after a genetically modified food supplement killed about 100 people and disabled thousands in the 1980's. Laboratory rats fed a GM crop developed stomach lesions and seven of the forty died within two weeks. The crop was approved. Rats fed other GM foods currently on the market had problems with blood cell or liver cell formation, or significantly heavier livers. Pigs fed GM corn on several farms developed false pregnancies. Cows fed GM corn in Germany died mysteriously. And twice the number of chickens died when fed GM corn. Soon after GM soy was introduced to the UK, soy allergies skyrocketed by 50 percent. Rats fed an experimental GM food developed excessive cell growth in their digestive tracts, damaged immune systems, partial atrophy of the liver, and developmental problems resulting in smaller brains, livers and testicles. When the scientist tried to alert the public, he lost his job after 35 years and was silenced with threats of a lawsuit.
Many of the assumptions used as the basis for safety claims have been disproved. For example, the only human GM feeding study ever conducted confirmed that transgenes transfer into gut bacteria. Another study found transgenic material in rats' internal organs after a single GM meal.
Smith presents a case for an immediate ban of GM foods, and provides steps that can be taken in the mean time to protect the public—especially children who are most at risk
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Genetics, Food Safety
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.