Independent Online Edition > Environment — FYI
The report says the rats, tested over six months, suffered “increases of kidneys absolute weight” when compared to ones fed conventional potatoes but that all changes were “within permissible physiological fluctuation”.
found by TJ Geezer
But Dr Irina Ermakova, of the Russian Academy of Science, calls the GM potatoes “dangerous” for rats, adding: “On this evidence, they cannot be used in the nourishment of people”.Tony Coombs from Monsanto UK said in a statement: “Potatoes genetically improved to prevent Colorado beetle destroying the crop have already been consumed, as safely as conventional or organic ones, in North America for years.”
Processed food wasn’t enough. Gee, I wonder how much this will alter our body mas index. Better living through science!
The report says they fed a found of the GM potatoes a day for three weeks to a group of 10 sick people, and concluded the potatoes are safe.
That’s just too weird to get my mind around. Why such a small sample? Why sick people in particular? Why a pound a day? Why three weeks?
It leaves me with a single overriding question: WTF?
Pretty lame article. Opposing genetic modification as a holy crusade seems absurd given the history of deliberate hybridization of plant species for decades and centuries.
The fact that you have to be careful of uncontrolled species spreading is nothing new either. It’s an ongoing problem with species native to this ball of mud — just from one zone to another, e.g., water hyacinths, kudzu, whatever.
I’m afraid that most of the FUD still sounds Luddite.
To add to the comment by #2, why in Russia? Harvard Medical wouldn’t let Monsanto channel Josef Mengela on their turf?
3# “Pretty lame article. Opposing genetic modification as a holy crusade seems absurd given the history of deliberate hybridization of plant species for decades and centuries.”
Does not compare being that both cases are not the same. Then again everyone can choose wtf they eat so its a non-issue. Its okay in my book provided that companies can’t get patents. Adding some bacteria genes to a corn plant does not warrent a monopoly protection racket via patent.
The fear of genetic manipulation is poorly understood by most and overblown to some extent by popular media pandering to these fears.
Humans have been engaged in this practice for millennia. The grains that provide our bread, booze and pasta did not exist in their present state and certainly did not just magically appear one day. Todays grain crops were bred to produce higher yields in shorter growing seasons while being better able to withstand drought. And all before the chemical companies got involved. This work was done by governments and organisations such as universities with the intent of being able to better feed ourselves.
I am somewhat biased towards grain farming as that is the main occupation in the area where I live. The same has been going on with all other food stuffs as well.
Transgenics is scary and should be much more tightly regulated and studied. I think regulatory bodies governing our food should be absolutely paranoid about granting approval where money(patents) are concerned.
If we allow the chemical companies to control our food supply we are up shit creek. This is especially true where Monsanto is concerned. Their track record with canola should serve as a warning. It appears that the genetically modified product can cross pollinate the non GM variety. The genie is out of the bottle there. The terminator gene is also very troubling. Once on that treadmill the farmer must buy seed every year as the germination gene has been removed from the plant.
I for one don’t want the food chain owned by chemical companies who’s sole purpose is to provide as much profit as possible and damn the consequences.
If the huge conglomerates want to grow their “franken food” then let them. I would really like to know if the food I’m buying contains any though. It won’t happen though because then those want to purchase non genetically modified food will be called Luddites and accused of holding back scientific advancement.
#8 “Humans have been engaged in this practice for millennia. The grains that provide our bread, booze and pasta did not exist in their present state and certainly did not just magically appear one day. Todays grain crops were bred to produce higher yields in shorter growing seasons while being better able to withstand drought. ”
Yeah they sure were able to splice genes of different species a thousand years ago. If you are going to say something at least do it with some factual content. The “genetic engineering” of old did not use the crossing of genes from different species. Given that its impossible without modern technology. There is nothing wrong with it, but if you are going to touch the subject at least be truthful instead of using false comparisons. Genetic engineering does not equal artificial selection, Thank You.
#9 ” It won’t happen though because then those want to purchase non genetically modified food will be called Luddites and accused of holding back scientific advancement.”
Hardly, that is why you have a farmers market. You can get whatever good stuff you want that the normal stores don’t have. Locally grown too, can see the farmlands from which the produce came from if you so choose. If there is a demand for non GMO, there will always be a supply, but provided that there is no government intervention.
#10, If only your farmer’s market was an option. I am unaware of any market within at least 50 miles of here. The roadside stands are only open during season. And yup, I frequent them too. But I have no idea about that bag of lettuce or loaf of bread in the store.
If I can know how much trans fat is in something, why can I not also discover whether or not it contains GM ingredients too? The sole reason is because the agriculture lobby is afraid consumers will pass if it is so labeled. Major supermarkets don’t want to handle non GM labeled products as they would feel the wrath from major food companies. (there are exceptions, of course)
It all boils down to the educated consumer. The major corporations like people to be stupid.
Do you guys think that George W. Bush is GM corn fed redneck?
#10 Sorry I was so vague as to what I meant. If you weren’t so intent on picking nits you may have caught the gist or spirit of my comment.
Of course gene splicing and transgender engineering are a recent development but selective and cross breeding in general IS genetic engineering when taken in the broad context.
I totally disagree with anyone for whatever reason owning patents on plants and especially food stuffs.
I could go on ad nauseum an this subject but will stop here so as not to offend you further with my perceived ignorance.
Well I was a bit harsh, sorry. I am pro choice on this topic.
Never heard of pro choice on everything? N/M