Two researchers associated with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have discovered that the most common genetic regulatory sequence in commercial genetically modified crops (GMOs) encodes a significant fragment of a viral gene. Their report states that this viral gene (called Gene VI) “might not be safe for human consumption. Scientists Nancy Podevin and Patrick … Read more
New Mexico is joining the GMO labeling fight. A bill that would require labels for any foods, drink, chewing gum, and pet foods containing genetically modified ingredients has been pre-filed in the New Mexico state senate by Senator Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe-25). Senate Bill 18 would apply to any food that contains more than 1% … Read more
After the defeat of Proposition 37 in California, which would have mandated labeling any food that contained genetically engineered (GE) or genetically modified (GMO) foods, Washington state is entering the battle. An initiative called I-522 proposes that all foods produced through genetic engineering sold in that state be labeled. The initiative states that since the … Read more
We’ve received several letters from readers who are concerned about the FDA possibly approving genetically engineered (GE) salmon, and what they can do about it. There are many petitions circulating, asking the government to do more studies and reconsider before approving the first engineered animal. You can also contact your representatives in Congress and tell … Read more
The FDA released its draft Environmental Assessment of AquaBounty’s genetically engineered (GE) salmon last week, which is the final step towards becoming the first FDA-approved GE food animal. Many organizations, including Food & Water Watch, oppose GE salmon. The reasons for opposition are many, including lack of scientific rigor and expertise at the FDA, concerns … Read more
On General Mills’ Cheerios Facebook page, thousands of consumers have posted they are boycotting that product because of the company’s support for No on 37 in California. Proposition 37, which proposed labeling all foods that contain genetically modified organisms (GMO or GE), failed in a close vote last month. Opponents of the proposal included giant … Read more
Food & Water Watch Executive Director Wenonah Hauter has released a statement in opposition to the USDA Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture, also called AC21. The purpose of the committee was to design a compensation mechanism for farmers who are economically harmed by contamination from genetically engineered (GE) crops or genetically modified … Read more
California voters have defeated Prop 37, that would have required labels on genetically modified foods. The final vote was 53 to 47 percent. A few months ago, polls showed the measure was favored more than two-to-one. But a huge campaign by opponents of the measure, mostly pesticide and processed food manufacturers, chipped away at that … Read more
The California Right to Know Yes on 37 campaign asked the Justice Department today to open a criminal investigation of the No on 37 campaign for possible fraudulent misuse of the official seal of the Food and Drug Administration. The No on 37 campaign put the FDA seal on one of its mailers. Proposition 37 … Read more
The study that was released last month by a French research team headed by Professor Gilles-Eric Séralin was the first to find that genetically modified (GM) corn produced tumors in rats. It was published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology. But the European Food Safety Authority has released a statement saying that the study … Read more