Genetically modified Monsanto corn, which dominates United States supermarket shelves, has been banned from Russia. When the study was released, several ‘pro-GMO advocates’ were busy discrediting the findings through various science journals and blog comments. Apparently, the study was enough for Russia consumer protection group Rospotrebnadzor to halt all imports of GM corn while the country’s Institute of Nutrition will evaluate the results.
This is the latest in a series of hits to Monsanto, who is the worlds largest seed company and one of the largest agrochemical companies. Monsanto claimed the study did not involve enough rats and that the two years of research was not enough.
The scary aspect for consumers is the fact that the larger tumors did not form until the rats reached adulthood, meaning in terms of skyrocketing cancer rates the worst may be approaching for an increasingly ill American population.
In addition, a European ban may be imminent as well, with France asking for a European-wide ban on GM corn if the health agency confirms the findings.
Focused attention in the United States is increasing as well, with Proposition 37 dominating the headlines in California.
The statement by Dennis Kucinich in front of Congress:
In 1992 the Food and Drug Administration decided that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) were the functional equivalent of conventional foods. They arrived at this decision without testing GMOs for allergenicity, toxicity, anti-biotic resistance and functional characteristics. As a result hundreds of millions of acres of GMO crops were planted in America without the knowledge or consent of the American people: no safety testing and no long term health studies.
The FDA has received over a million comments from citizens demanding labeling of GMOs. Ninety percent of Americans agree. So, why no labeling? I’ll give you one reason: The influence and the corruption of the political process by Monsanto. Monsanto has been a prime mover in GMO technology, a multi-million dollar GMO lobby here and a major political contributor.
There is a chance that Monsanto’s grip will be broken in California where a GMO labeling initiative is on the ballot. And here in Congress, my legislation HR 3553 will provide for a national labeling law. Americans have a right to know if their food is genetically engineered. It’s time for labeling and for people to know how their food is being produced.
National labeling would be a relief for many and possibly the beginning of the end for Monsanto, who has dominated the market for many years now.
