TheHealth Hazards of Genetically Engineering Foods

LaurieLynch, ND, PhD

Many people have questions and concerns about genetic engineering biotechnologysince there is no real data supporting its safety. So Iíd like to attempt toanswer some of the most common questions and share with you some examples fromexisting research on the health hazards of genetically engineering foods.Somaybe we should begin with a brief explanation of genetic engineering and theterminology used.ìHorizontal gene transfer is the transfer of genes from oneindividual to another, of the same or different species, usually by means otherthan cross-breeding.î (Ho, p. 311) Genetic engineering or gene splicing is aprocess of modifying genetic material by cutting the DNA molecule and rejoiningthe cut ends so that different bits are now joined together, somewhat likesplicing magnetic tape. DNA is ìa very long chain-like polymer made up of Öthousandsof simpler units joined end to endî, which differ in the four organic basesthey contain. ìThe sequence in which the bases occur differs for each DNAmolecule which accounts for the specific genetic message. The bases are like thealphabet that forms words and sentences. Each DNA molecule is packaged into achromosome. Each cell can have one or more chromosome. ì A gene is a stretch ofDNA on the chromosome, usually thousands of units in length, which has a definedfunction.î ìA genome is the totality of the genetic material of a cell ororganism.î And ìa vector is a carrier for transferring genes or disease Öî(or both.) (Ho, pp. 50, 310, 314) Although motives of many genetic engineers maybe pure and with the best intentions, however, through human error, ignorance,accident, and/or greed, genetically engineering foods has had disastrousresults.Research has shown GE foods may be a cause of lowered nutritional value,allergies, toxic effects, birth defects, cancer, antibiotic resistance, andsevere bacterial and viral infections. (R. Cummins, p. 29) According to Dr.Mae-Wan Ho, a British scientist and world famous expert in biotechnology: ìGenetic-engineeringbiotechnologyÖ will spell the end of humanity as we know it, and of the worldat largeÖî (Ho, p.1) The dangers are frightening and can be overwhelming, butplease avoid allowing feelings of fear and futility to block out this importantinformation. There is something you can do about it.

Thebiotech industry claims that genetically modified foods are substantiallyequivalent to conventionally grown foods. So how does the genetic engineeringprocess differ from conventional breeding that makes it dangerous?
Dr. Ho explained that ìgenetic engineering differs radically from conventionalbreedingî; there are significant chemical and compositional differences. (Ho,p. 53)
* Genetic engineering is a technology designed to transfer genes horizontallybetween species that do not interbreed (as opposed to transferring genesvertically from parents to offspring) and to make new combinations of geneticmaterial from these different species.
* It is designed to break down the species barriers and to overcomethe defensemechanisms, which normally degrade or inactivate foreign genes.
* ìFor the purpose of manipulating, replacing and transferring genes, geneticengineers use artificial vectors, which are made from
viruses and other infectious agents.î (HO p.19) ìÖthe processÖ involvesusing special chemical enzymes as scissors, extracting selected genes from thedonor organism (i.e. animals, plants, insects, soil micro-organisms, bacteria,and viruses), synthesizing and making copies of this genetic material, geneticpromoters, and vectors, (ìÖall of which are parasites that have the ability toinvade cells and insert themselves into the cellís genome, causing geneticdamage.î (Ho, p. 53) In the process, genes from viruses of all these speciesare picked up and create new pathogens.î (R. Cummins. p.23 )
* ìGenetic engineersÖ have developed ëgene gunsí or bacterial vectors thatcan penetrate the cell walls of target organisms
artificially insertingÖ (the genes) into another completely different hostorganismÖ, but they cannot yet precisely control the location where the traitwill be insertedÖ. This random, shotgun-like insertion inevitablycauses a disruption of the order and balance of the genes on the host chromosomeand can Ö result in random and unexpected changes in the Ö functioning of thecells.î (R. Cummins, p. 19) ìWhen gene engineers splice a foreign protein intoa food product, they most often link it to another gene, called anantibiotic-resistant marker gene (ARM). By dousing this new geneticallyengineered creation with an antibiotic, the genetic engineer can tell if thegene-splicing procedure was successfulÖif the antibiotic doesnít killÖî it.(R. Cummins p 43?)

Although the biotech pr people assure us that genetic engineering is totallysafe, ìWhat could go wrong?î is a major concern of many people. ìÖtheprocess of genetic engineering is itself unstable, inexact, and prone tomistakes with potentially fatal consequencesÖ All too often, researchers end upwith transgenetic stillborns, mutants, freaks, and failures, with geneticallymodified organisms that donít behave like theyíre supposed to, Ö that can acton theirÖ environments in unpredictable Öways. (R. Cummins, p. 18) ìBecauseno gene ever functions in isolation, there will almost always be unexpected andunintended side effectsÖî (Ho, p. 148) An open letter from 443 worldscientists to all governments confirmed that the random insertion of foreigngenes ìgives rise to unpredictable random effects, including grossabnormalities in animals and unexpected toxins and allergens in food crops.î

Whatare some specific examples of GE errors?
* ìgenes Öplaced into petunia flowersÖ decreased fertility and altered thegrowth of the roots and leaves.ì (Dr. R. Steinbrecher, p. 2)

* ìSalmon genetically engineered with a growth hormone not only grew too bigtoo fast but also turned green. ì (Dr. R. Steinbrecher, p. 2)
* A genetically engineered soil microbe accidentally killed wheat plants. (cropchoice.com)
* USDA scientists transplanted human genes, supposedly associated with growth,into pigs to make them grow faster. Pigs fed food
engineered with growth hormones turned out to be skinny, excessively hairy,lethargic, apparently impotent, cross-eyed, and so arthritic that he couldhardly stand up. (The Animalís Agenda magazine, Volume 15, No.1, p. 27)
* ìÖ scientists working to genetically engineer yeast accidentally disruptedits metabolism, resulting in a 40-200 fold increase inÖ a
toxic substance...î (Inose, pp. 141-146, quoted by R. Cummins, p19)
* In the 1980s, a Japanese chemical company began to use genetically modifiedbacteria to increase the efficiency of L-Tryptophan
production. The amino acid, L-Tryptophan, is a safe, natural, nutritionalsupplement, used for insomnia and depression effectively for years without illeffects. However, the genetically engineered brand of L-tryptophan, killed 37Americans and permanently afflicted more than 5,000 others with a potentiallyfatal and painful blood disorder (EMS), which caused heart disease, severemuscle pain, memory loss, and paralysis. The manufacturer suggested that ìinadequatepurificationî was to blame, but it came out in court that it wasnít. It wasdiscovered that the genetic engineered brand contained several toxic chemicalsthat were not in the natural tryptophan, which may have been the cause. (R.Cummins, p. 30, 31) In response to this tragedy the FDA removed not only the GML-tryptophan from the market but the safe natural brands as well. Now only thegenetically modified brand of L-Tryptophan is back on the market; to myknowledge, the safe natural brands are still unavailable.. Many people questionnutritional value of GE foods. The biotech industry claims they improvenutrition. ìÖcertain GE foods have been shown to have less nutritional valueand quality than Önon-GE foodsÖ no GE food currently on the market has beenshown to be more nutritious or to taste better than non-GE foods.î (R. Cummins,pp. 24,25) Even a FDA scientist admitted that adding a foreign protein to a foodìcould change the nutritional value of the food.î (Louis J. Pribyl, FDAdocuments) GM crops with Bt toxin added or those sprayed with herbicides cankill beneficial soil microbes that help provide the plants with needednutrients. "Without the soil foodweb, plants would not obtain the nutrientsnecessary for growth, and the above ground foodweb would not longcontinue." (P. Nannipieri, et al)
Some varieties of GM foods have been shown to have significant differences infat and carbohydrate content, anywhere from 12 to 20% drop in protein, certainvitamins, and phytochemicals as compared to non GM varieties. Some examplesfollow.
* ìGM maize show significant differences in fat and carbohydrate content,compared with non-GM maize.î ( A. Pusztai, Internet)
* In another study of GM Vica Faba, a bean in the same family as soy, there wasalso an increase in estrogen levels, which raises health issues - especially ininfant soy formulas (Batalion, Internet)
* Some GE potatoes showed a 20% drop in protein quality, lower disease-fightingcapabilities, and nutrition. (A. Pusztai, , R. Cummins, p33)
* A variety of GM tomato had about 15% less vitamin C. (J. Duel, p. 149)
* ìAccording to Monsanto's own tests, Roundup Ready soybeans contain 29'% lessof the brain nutrient choline, and 27% more trypsin inhibitor ( a potentialallergen that interferes with protein digestion), Ö lower levels ofphenylalanine, an essential amino acid that affects levels of phytoestrogens.And levels of lectins, Öallergens, are nearly double in the transgenic variety.î.(J. Robbins, Internet) ìÖcows ingesting GE soybeans have exhibited higherlevels of fat in their milk.î (R. Cummins, p.47) ìRoundup Ready soybeansshowed as much as a 20% dropÖî in certain phytochemicals.î (The Campaign toLabel Genetically Engineered Foods, Internet)
* The use of rBGH also contributes to ìincreased antibiotic residues in themilk, resulting from higher rates of udder infectionsÖî (R. Cummins, p. 41) ìMilkfrom cows injected with rBGH contains higher levels of pus, bacteria, and fat.î(R. Cummins, p.47, Epstein, and the Consumers Union)

Most people donít know which foods have been genetically modified since theyrefuse to label them. I think there are around 90 GM foods and animal feeds onthe market, but the list is growing rapidly. The most common GM foods includesoybeans, corn, canola oil, cotton seed oil, potatoes, tomatoes, papaya,crookneck yellow squash, sugar beets, dairy products, aspartame (NutraSweet),bakerís and Brewerís yeast, riboflavin (vitamin B2), etc. Derivatives of theseproducts can be found in most processed foods and restaurant foods. There istalk that GM rice, wheat, cucumbers, sugar, walnuts, strawberries, apples, andsalmon will soon be on the market. Thatís just about every thing!

Now the biotech industry is talking about genetically modifying rice to containvitamin A to prevent blindness in third world
countries. Many people think that is a good thing. To get sufficient vitamin Afrom GM golden rice, a woman would need to eat 16 pounds and a child, 12 pounds,a day. However, ìA pre-school childís daily requirement of vitamin A can bemet with just two tablespoons of yellow sweet potatoes, half a cup of dark greenleafy vegetables, or two thirds of a medium sized mango. And unlike golden rice,these vegetables supply other micronutrients as well.î To absorb vitamin A thebody needs other nutrients. (Health Risks Associated With GE Foods, p. 14)People would be better off eating fresh, raw fruits, vegetables, and edibleherbs for their beta-carotene content, such as dandelion greens, or using theherb, eyebright to aid their vision. Eating nutrient rich, whole grain ricewould be an improvement, instead of the de-natured, nutrient poor white riceintroduced by the US. According to molecular geneticist, Professor BevanMoseley, GM vitamin enriched rice and other new functional foods andneutraceuticals, ìwill pose even greater health risks because of the increasedcomplexity of the gene constructsî. (an open letter from 443 world scientiststo all world governments)

Could GMOs cause allergies? Some in the biotech industry claim that GM foodsremove allergens from foods. Genetically modified foods can cause severe, evenfatal allergic reactions! Most allergies, whether to cats, dust, pollen, smoke,or chemicals, have food allergies or indigestion as an underlying cause. The cator pollen is not the cause, only the trigger. According to FDA scientists, ìWecannot assume that all gene products, particularly those encoded by genes fromnon-food sources, will be digestible. Ö If the genetically engineered proteinappears to be resistant to digestion, this could increase concern aboutimmunologic or allergenic potentialÖî (FDA Documents) ìRats ability to digestwas decreased after eating GM corn.î (A. Pusztai, Internet) The biotechproponents suggest that the foreign proteins in the genetically modified foodsare good for you. They lump all kinds of proteins into one class- protein, theessential building block of life.But they fail to understand (or admit) thatthere are many different kinds of proteins, the right proteins in the rightbalance are essential for life and the wrong proteins in the wrong balance canbe fatal, or
cause varying harmful side effects. Remember, Mad Cow Disease was said to becaused by a reaction to a foreign protein! ìÖ the cells in the GMO can beginto manufacture proteinsÖ in much higher levels,Ö in incorrect quantities or atthe wrong times,Ö or they
may contain entirely new foreign proteins, bacteria, or viral constructs thathumans have never eaten beforeÖ some of which are toxicÖî (R. Cummins, p. 21)ìProteins are what cause allergic reactions, and virtually every gene transferin crops results in some protein production. Proteins will be coming into foodcrops not just from known sources of food allergens, like peanuts, shellfish,and dairy, but from plants of all kinds, bacteria and viruses, whose potentialallergenicity is Ö unknown.íî (R. Cummins, p. 37)
* For example, GE Starlink corn has been shown to be a cause of allergy innumerous people because ìA special protein in the cornÖ breaks down slowly inthe digestive system,Ö (and if not properly digested) might induce allergicreactions.î (P. Brasher, Internet). Starlink was said to be unfit for humanconsumption by the FDA and allowed only for animal feed, but it has been mixedin with other corn and could be in any processed food containing corn. ìAlthoughmost of us know what foods trigger our Öallergies and how to avoid them, Ö ifgenes from another organism can be inserted into a food plant, we wonít be ableto recognize those allergy-causing foods. Gene foods cannot be tested forallergenicity, because allergic reactions depend on previous exposureî (HOp146)
* GM soybeans had a significant increase in a known allergen (trypsoninhibitor). (Pusztai, Internet)
* Researchers reported that ìBrazil nut DNA, if gene-spliced into conventionalsoy beans, could induce potential fatal allergiesÖ.î (R. Cummins, p. 36)
* In 1998, when the US greatly increased the imports of genetically modifiedsoybeans to Britain, British scientists ìÖreported Öan unusual 50% increasein soy allergies.î (R Cummins p. 38)
* . A 1999 study suggests that crop pickers and handlers exposed to Bt spray candevelop allergies to it, so people eating Bt-containing plants might do as well.î(Yount, p. 14, 15) * A study of farm workers before and after exposure to Btpesticides sprays ì Ödid find that a number of the workers exhibited skinsensitization and presence of IgE and IgG antibodies (which) are components ofan allergic responseÖ Bt crops have far higher levels of endotoxin in the grainand leaves than doÖBt sprays.î (Dr. Hansen, Internet)
* There have been 3 studies suggesting Bt sprays affect allergies.The authorsare concerned because "approximately 75 percent of asthma cases aretriggered by allergens and morbidity and mortality due to asthma have increasedconsiderably over the past 20 years" (Bernstein et al, quoted by Dr.Hansen, Internet)
* Herbicides and Bt toxins kill beneficial soil microbes and promote the growthof toxic molds and other fungi, which can be incorporated into the food chain.This can result in lower nutrition in the plants, and the overgrowth of fungiwhich can cause immune deficiency problems such as severe allergic reactions,arthritis, brain and nervous system
damage, and cancer. So ìGene-spliced foods could set off life-threatening foodallergies or even poison you.î (R. Cummins, p. 21)

The biotech spokesmen say the GMOs are totally safe, how can they poison people?Remember the new genes arenít even natural genes, they are synthetic copies! Myresearch and experience has convinced me that no synthetic inorganic chemicalcan be considered harmless when incorporated into an organic life form, whetherplant, animal, or human, since it disrupts the delicate chemical balance. ìAsDr. Michael Antoniou, a British molecular scientist points out, gene-splicinghas already resulted in the ëunexpected production of toxic substancesÖ ingenetically engineered bacteria, yeast, plants, and animals with the problemremaining undetected until a major health hazard has arisen.í ì (Torr, p. 111)Often ìÖ chemicals taken in by the body cannot be excreted. Therefore, theirconcentration will increase over time. Such a build up of insecticide andherbicide residues in our bodies may be enough to produce cancerous effects.There is also evidence to suggest that such chemicals are excreted in motherísmilk, which will not be good for baby.î (Dr. Narang, Internet) Although thebiotech companies promise farmers that they will need
less chemicals with GMOs, genetically engineering crops to be resistant toherbicides has caused the increased use of these toxic chemicals. Also theseherbicides are incorporated into the plant structure, and into the system ofanyone that eats them, or eats animals that have eaten them. So youíre likelyto be getting more pesticides and herbicides in the GE crops than inconventional crops.. And these chemicals accumulate and combine with otherchemicals to create all kinds of toxins.
* Studies with rats, which were fed GM FLAVR SAVRTM tomatoes showed stomachlesions in up to seven out of twenty rats but none in the controls This couldcause life-threatening hemorrhage, particularly in people who use aspirin on aregular basis. (Center for Food Safety). Seven out of forty rats fed GM tomatoesdied within two weeks... (A. Pusztai, Internet)
* A study with a GM tomato expressing Bt toxin gene demonstrated binding of Bttoxin to the caecum/colon from humans and rhesus monkeys. (Nester, Internet)
* The Bt-toxin, engineered into many transgenetic crops in excessive amounts tomake them resist insect pests, is incorporated into every cell of the plant andhas been shown to cause fatal lung infections in mice. ì(The EPA classifies thealtered plants as pesticides)
* Bt-engineered potato plants were reported to have caused ìbrain, liver, andimmune system damage and possible cancer rate increases in ratsÖî . Evidenceshowed that a Bt toxin engineered into certain foods damaged the ileum (thefinal and longest segment of the long intestine), but this evidence was ignoredby US and Canadian regulators. (Prof. J.
Cummins, Internet)
* Feeding mice with genetically engineered potatoes transformed with a Bt toxingene showed that despite claims to the contrary, the Bt toxin was stable in themouse gut. It ìÖcaused excessive enlargement of the villus epithelial cell,development of more than two nuclei, disrupted microvilli, mitochondrialdegeneration, increased numbers of lysosomes (enzyme containing cells) andautophagic vacuoles and activation of crypt Paneth cells.î (Nester, Internet)
* (Glufosinate, bromoxynil, and glyphosate,) the active ingredients in a numberof herbicides are incorporated into the cells of the crops, and can cause a widerange of health reactions in those who consume them or consume animals that haveeaten them, even at very low doses. (R. Cummins, p. 46) The toxic effects aremagnified when the active
ingredients are combined with the other ìinertî ingredients in the herbicides.(Herbicide Factsheet)                                   *ìGlyphosate-containing products (Roundup) are acutely toxic to animals,including humans.î (Herbicide Factsheet, p. 3) Symptoms could includeconvulsions, eye and skin irritation and/or burning, diarrhea, elevated bloodpressure, heart palpitations, headaches, inflammation of the stomach lining,laryngitis, low blood pressure, nausea, numbness,
salivary gland lesions, vomiting, and/or wheezing. ìBreathing glyphosate canirritate the nose and throatÖî Long-term effects could include liver andkidney damage. ìHigh exposure can cause irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). Thiscan cause death.î (HealtheHouse, p.2)
* ìThe surfactant used inÖ Roundup is more autely toxic than glyphosateitself; the combination of the two is yet more toxicÖ ì Some Roundup productsare ìextremely destructive to tissues of the mucus membranes and upperrespiratory tract.î ìRoundup affects enzymes found in mammals. In rats,Roundup decreased the activity of two detoxification enzymes in the liver and anintestinal enzymeÖ When dogs were given intravenous injections of glyphosate Öso that the blood concentrations were approximately those found in humans whoingested glyphosateÖ Roundup caused cardiac depression.î ìRoundup causesgenetic damage in laboratory animals and in human blood cells.î (Herbicide
Factsheet, p. 3-7)
* The World Health Organization found that cooked vegetables treated withherbicides (Roundup) had significant levels of Acrylamide, a potent nerve toxin,that is released by heat and light. (ISIS Report, Internet)

* Studies of poisoning incidents where Roundup was ingested showed symptomsincluding ìintestinal pain, vomiting, excess fluid in the lungs, pneumonia,clouding of consciousness, and destruction of red blood cells,Ölungdysfunction, erosion of the gastrointestinal tract, abnormal electrocardiograms,low blood pressure, kidney damage, and damage to the larynxÖ. They calculatedthat the fatal cases ingested on average about 200 milliliters (æ of a cup)Örubbing of Roundup in the eye caused eye and lid swelling, rapid heartbeat andelevated blood pressure. Wiping the face after touching leaky spray equipmentcaused  welling of the face. Accidental drenching with horticulturalRoundup
caused eczema of the hands and arms lasting two months. A spill resulted indizziness, fever, nausea, palpitations, and sore throat.î (Herbicide Factsheet,p. 5) Acute toxicity presents immediate symptoms. Many of my clients havecomplained of a skin rash after eating a soy burger. I, and many of my clientswho normally eat only organically grown foods with no health problems, havenoticed that when we eat any of the commonly genetically engineered foods inrestaurants we experience immediate stomach distress with diarrhea sometimeslasting for days along with severe muscle pains, dizziness, edema, and mentaland physical fatigue. ìChronic toxicity lacks the immediate symptoms, yet whenthe toxic substance is eaten frequently over a long period of time it may leadto tiredness, mild stomach upsets, muscle aches and other symptoms of a weakenedsystem. Almost all genetically engineered foods are staple foods eaten on adaily basis unless consciously avoided.î (Womenís Environmental Network)

If these chemicals are toxic and cause health problems, why do the EPA and FDAallow them on the market?
Many of the people in the FDA and EPA are former biotech employees, some evenhave the job of approving their own research (A list of names of governmentofficials that have worked for biotech companies, and vise versa can be obtainedfrom Biodemocracy News, or www.organicconsumers.org/Monsanto/revolvedoor.cfm ) * For example, ìÖas spraying of the glyphosate containing herbicide,Roundup, began to increase, (guess what the EPA did!) EPA officials raised thelegally acceptable glyphosate intake levels toÖ300 times the ìacceptable dailyintake ì level recommended by the World Health Organization, and ìten timesthe level at which birth and reproductive abnormalities have been observed ...î(R. Cummins, p.45) * ìÖthe first GM crop to be commercialized- the Flavr Savrtomato- did not pass the required toxicological tests. Since then, nocomprehensive scientific safety testing has been doneî in the US.
(letter from world scientists)
* The FDAís own scientists warned that, ìÖgenetically modified plants couldalso contain unexpected high concentrations of plant toxicantsÖ. (And) planttoxicant genes, which are normally inactive, couldÖ(become active), and Önormallyactive genes could become inactive.. as a result of insertion of the new geneticmaterial.Ö all of these plant toxicants could Ö be harmful to man ÖAt thistime it is unlikely that Ö analysis can reasonably detect or predict allpossible changes in toxicant levels or the development of new toxic metabolitesas a result of genetic modificationÖî (Key FDA Documents) These and otherwarnings by FDA scientists were ignored and kept secret by the
FDA.

What about biomedicine? This is another common question. Would GMOs be safe formedicinal purposes?
Dr. Ho said, ìthe ëcuresí are literally deadly. The toll from ëgene therapyítrials so far is at least 6 deaths and more than 650 adverse events.î (Ho, OpenLetter to New Zealand Royal Commission) ìDespite all the promises of genetherapy, there has not been a single documented success in twenty years. Yet itis still being aggressively pursued, with dangerous techniques that can causecancer and create new viruses.î (HO, p. 266) * ìÖstem cells from humanfetuses transplanted into the brain of 5 Parkinsonís patients turned into anirredeemable nightmare because the cells grew uncontrollably.î (Ho, Letter toNew Zealand Royal Commission)

* In the 1980s scientists engineered sheep to create human growthormone in theirblood to be used medicinally. Some human patients have experienced side effectssuch as the development of antibodies to growth hormones, indicating thelong-term effects could be to prevent future growth. Other experienced sideeffects include edema, pain, arthralgia, rhinitis, gastritis, flu symptoms,hypertension, and leukemia. (PDR, p. 989-992)
* Pigs and E. coli bacteria were engineered to create human insulin. My diabeticclients reported more harmful side effects, when using GE human insulin thanwhen they used other forms of insulin, side effects such as severe hypoglycemiaand allergic reactions, as well as further pancreatic atrophy. Other possibleside effects could include
acidosis, depression of the skin, and/or thickening of the tissues. (PDR, p.1464)
* ìExperimental plants engineered to produce pharmaceuticals are being grown atover 300 secret locations nationwideÖ.. Biotechnology firms are conductingexperiments with corn, soy, rice and tobacco that are genetically manipulated toproduce drugs designed to act as vaccines, contraceptives, induce abortions,generate growth hormones, create blood clots, produce industrial enzymes andpropagate allergenic enzymesÖ Just one mistake by a biotech company and we'llbe eating other people's prescription drugs in our corn flakes," (LarryBohlen, director
of health and environment programs) "It is possible that crops transformedto produce pharmaceutical or other industrial compounds might mate withplantations grown for human consumption, with the unanticipated result of novelchemicals in the human food supply." Chris Webster, a representative ofPfizer Pharmaceuticals said, "We've seen, on the vaccine side, wheremodified live seeds have wandered off and have appeared in other products."(Environmental News Service | July 16, 2002)

Are the vaccines genetically modified into our foods more dangerous than thestandard vaccines?
ìVaccines are notoriously ineffective against viruses that rapidly mutate andrecombine. Even vaccines against bacterial pathogens perform erratically...Vaccines can cause the very diseases against which they are supposed to offerprotection Ö Vaccines produced in transgenetic plants for use in humans anddomestic livestock have an increased potential to generate new pathogenicvirusesÖ (Ho, p. 262)
* ìÖGorecki and Simons (1999) pointed out a danger to the fetus in DNAvaccination of the mother. That danger was the creation of tolerance in thefetus leading to individuals more susceptible to infection and/or they maybecome carriers.î ( Prof J. Cummins, Internet)

* An aids vaccine created from a genetically modified simian immunodeficiencyvirus ìÖis found to cause AIDS in infant and adult macaquesî (Kimbrell,Internet)  The potential for birth defects is a common concern. What is the
likelihood? According to Dr. Ho, ìThe insertion of viral DNA into the cellísgenome can create all manner of genetic disturbances. (Ho, p. 21) Certainviruses have long been known to cause birth defects, such as the infantileblindness caused by the measles virus in a pregnant woman. ìÖingested DNA froma bacterial virus or from a plasmoid transgene is incorporated in chromosomesand is passed from mother to fetus.î (Shubert et al, 1998) Birth defects couldalso be caused by plant toxicants, by poisonous chemicals inherent in the genesplicing process, and by herbicides on and incorporated in the cells of the GMO,all of which combine and accumulate in the system of a pregnant woman and arepassed through the placenta to the unborn child. ìGene-altered cropsÖcouldproduceÖchemicals that can interfere with enzymes or hormones in the body.(Disruption of hormones in a pregnant womanís body could be profoundly damagingto her offspring.)î (Luoma, J. p. 52) Some examples follow.

*The herbicide chemical bromoxynil has been linked with spinal and skull defects,reduced fetal weight, and developmental disorders in human fetuses. (Lappe, pp.41-47)
* ìRoundup can also disrupt embryo development. Scientists from the NationalCenter for Scientific Research (France) found that Roundup Öinhibits the enzymeinvolved in the cell division process and also inhibits overall proteinsynthesis to the embryoî (Herbicide Fact Sheet, p. 8)
* And the herbicide chemical Glufosinate has been linked to birth defects,damage in human blood cells, learning disabilities, and abnormal behavior inchildren.î (Garcia, A, pp. 473-80))
* Cooking vegetables treated with herbicides (Roundup) releases significantlevels of Acrylamide, that can affect male reproduction and cause birth defects.(ISIS Report, Internet)
* GMOs could retard growth and development, and contribute to weakness anddisease. ìThe introduced gene is bound to interact with other genes in the hostgeneÖî (Ho, p. 214) For example, pigs engineered with human growth hormonewere born ìdeformed, Ö excessively hairy, lethargic, apparently impotent,cross-eyed, and so arthriticÖî (Animalís Agenda, p. 27)
* rBGh in cows causes a rapid increase in birth defects and shorter life spans(N. Batalion, Internet), sterility, and infertility. (J. Robbins, Internet)
* GMOs could cause genetic damage that may not be obvious in the firstgeneration but could increase in severity in future generations! Mammalianexperts have stated that it takes at least four generations to know what theeffect of a novel food will be.

Can GMOs be cancerous?
According to Dr. Ho, ìThe insertion of viral DNA Ö can createÖ CANCER.î (Ho,p. 21) ìThe insertion of foreign genes into a host genome is random and haslong been known to have many harmful and fatal effects, including cancer; andthis is borne out by the low success rate in creating desired transgenicorganismsÖ ì ( Ho, p. 51) And the letter from world scientists confirms thathorizontal gene transfer could cause ìharmful mutations which may lead tocancer.î
* ìÖ the vector most widely used in plant genetic engineering is derived froma plasmid that induces tumours in plantsÖ In animals, vectors are constructedfrom retroviruses, causing cancers and other diseases. A vector now used in fishÖcauses leukemia in mice but can infect all mammalian cells. It causesÖ sarcomasin domestic fowl andÖ
oral lesions in cattle, horses, pigs, and humans.î (Ho, p. 51, & Lin et al,Science 265, 666-9, 1994)
* A ìSwedish study of hairy cell leukemiaÖ found that people who wereoccupationally exposed to glyphosate herbicides had a threefold higher risk ofHCL. A similar study of non-Hodgkinís lymphoma found exposure of glyphosateherbicides was associated with an increased risk of about the same size.î(Herbicide Factsheet, p. 6)
* Several laboratory studies on glyphosate exposed rats found an increase inthyroid cancer, as well as kidney, liver, pancreas, and testicular tumors.(Herbicide Factsheet, p. 6)
* Cooking GE vegetables sprayed with herbicides (Roundup) releases significantlevels of Acrylamide, that can cause cancer. (ISIS Report, Internet)
* The toxic weed killer bromoxynil, which even the EPA classifies as a ëpossiblehuman carcinogení sprayed in heavy doses on herbicide-resistant GE cottonplants (and ending up in cotton seed and vegetable oils), has been linked withliver tumors. (Lappe, pp. 41-47)
* Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone was approved by the FDA for injection ìintodairy cows to force them to produceÖ more milk, even though scientists warnedthat significantly higher levels of a potent chemical hormone, (Insulin-likeGrowth Factor,) in the milk Öof injected cows, could pose serious hazards forhuman breast, prostate, colon, and various childhood cancers. rBGH milk has(high levels of IGF-1, ) up to ten times the levels in natural milk and over tentimes more potent. (IGF-1)Ö resists pasteurization and digestion Ö and is wellabsorbed across the intestinal wall.î (S. Epstein; R. Cummins, p. 39) ìAnumber of studies have shown that humans with elevated levels of IGF-1 in theirbodies are much more likely to get cancer and that IGF-1 is a powerful cancertumor promoter.î (R. Cummins, p. 39, rBST Internal Review Team)ìÖscientistswarned the resulting increase of IGF-1,Ö is linked to 400-500% higher risks ofhuman breast, prostrate, and colon cancer.î ( N. Batalion, Internet) Accordingto Dr. Samuel Epstein of the University of Chicago, it "induces themalignant transformation of human breast epithelial cells." Rat studiesconfirmed the suspicion and showed internal organ damage with rBGH ingestion. Infact, the FDA's own experiments indicated a spleen mass increase of 46% - a signof developing leukemia. (R. Cummins, p. 40) GE growth hormone in milk and someanimal products such as chicken has been linked to leukemia. (PDR, pp. 989-992)ìIn 1998, government
scientists in Canada released heretofore undisclosed Monsanto/FDA documentsshowing damage to laboratory rats fed dosages of rBGH. Significant infiltrationof rBGH into the prostate of the rats as well as thyroid cysts indicatedpotential cancer hazards from the drug.î (R. Cummins, p. 31) ìAn Americanstudy in May 1998 found a seven-fold increased risk of breast cancer amongstpre-menopausal women with high levels of IGF-1 in their blood. A separate studyin January 1998 found a 4-fold increased risk of prostate cancer among men.Öî(J. Robbins, Internet)
ìThe contention was that the hormone was killed by pasteurization. But inresearch conducted by two Monsanto scientists, Ted Elasser and Brian McBride,only 19% of the hormone was destroyed despite boiling milk for 30 minutes whennormal pasteurization is 30 secondsî (N.Batalion, Internet)
* The use of rBGH also contributes to ìincreased antibiotic residues
in the milk, resulting from higher rates of udder infectionsÖî (R.
Cummins, p. 41)
ìNo other industrialized country has legalized use of rBGH, but it
continues to be injected intoÖ(around 500,000) U.S. dairy cows,î (R.
Cummins, p. 41) Are your children drinking this cancer-causing milk?

Another common question: Can the antibiotics used in GE foods causeantibiotic resistance and immune system damage?
Frequent exposure to antibiotics can cause bacteria to develop antibioticresistance. They kill the good bacteria that keep fungus
under control. When fungus grows out of control, the immune system becomesdamaged, and immune deficiency diseases such as allergies, arthritis and cancercan develop. ìÖmulti-drug antibiotic resistance is already endemic in many UKhospitals. The transgenic tomatoes currently marketed here and in the US bothcarry genes for kanamycin resistance. Kanamycin is widely used to treattuberculosis which is coming back all over the worldÖî (Ho, www.twnside.org.sg/title/mae-cn.htm)
* Four dangerous bacteria, (including staph, ones that cause toxic
shock syndrome, ones causing blood poisoning and wound infections,
pneumonia, and TB) ìhave become invulnerable to all known antibioticsÖ
By the nineties, ësuperstrainsë (of E.coli) resistant to multiple
antibiotics were isolated.î (Ho, p. 178)

Since GM foods are spliced with infectious agents, couldnít that causeinfections in humans that canít be treated with antibiotics?
. Health professionals are seeing a dramatic rise in antibiotic resistance inrecent years. ìThe evidence is now overwhelming that horizontal gene transferhas been responsible for both the rapid spread of antibiotic-resistance and theemergence if virulent strains of pathogens.ì (Ho, p. 189)
* ìARM (antibiotic-resistant marker) genes employed in gene-spliced
foods or animal feeds mayÖ combine with Öpre-existing germsÖ and give
rise to deadly new strains of antibiotic resistant ësuper bugsí ìÖ
transgenetic DNA can recombine with bacteria in theÖmouth and throat for
up to an hour after being ingestedÖî (R. Cummins, p. 43) Bacteria
reproduce by cell division and could produce populations of billions in
little more than a day. ìÖantibiotic resistant genes spread Ö by
contact between humansÖ and from bacteria inhabiting the gut of farm
animals to those in humansÖ ì (Ho, p 18)
* ìAccording to a World Health Organization report, at least thirty
new diseases, including AIDS, Ebola, and Hepatitis C, have emerged over
the past twenty years, while old infectious diseases, such as TB,
cholera, malaria, and diphtheria, are coming back Ö (and) are becoming
completely Ö resistant toÖ antibioticsÖ Geneticists have now linked the
emergence of pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic resistance to horizontal
gene transfer! and have shown ìÖthat the presence of antibiotics Ö
increases the frequency of horizontal gene transfer 10 to 10,000-fold.î
(Ho, p19)
* ìHorizontal gene transfer and subsequent genetic recombination
generated the bacterial strains responsible for the cholera outbreak in
India in 1992, the Streptococcus epidemic in Ö Scotland, in 1993, and
the more recent E. coli 0157 Öoutbreaks in ScotlandÖî (Ho, p 18) and are
ìimplicated in urethritis, pneumonia, arthritis, and AIDS progressionÖî
(Ho, Internet )
And ìnew lethal viruses continue to be created in GE labs.î (Ho,
Letter to New Zealand Royal Commission)

What studies have been done that show a connection between GM foods
and infections?
* The first study was conducted by Dr. Pusztai and a team of
researchers at the Rowett Institute in Scotland. This helped to confirm
the dangers of horizontal gene transfer. They used three groups of
rats. One group was fed genetically modified potatoes, spliced with
lectin DNA from the snowdrop plant and a commonly used viral promoter
from the cauliflower Mosaic Virus, another group was fed conventional
potatoes, and a third group was fed potatoes with the lectin added with
an eyedropper. (R. Cummins p32)
ìBeside significant compositional differences, Pusztai found that
after only ten days the gene-spliced potatoes damaged the vital organs
and immune systems of the lab rats. But rats fed conventional potatoes,
and rats fed conventional potatoes with lectin added mechanicallyÖ were
unharmed.î Dr. Pusztai and Dr. Ewen, a Scottish pathologist concluded
ìÖthat damage to the rats intestines and stomach linings-apparently a
severe viral infection-most likely was caused byÖa promoter derived from
the Cauliflower Mosaic VirusÖî Dr. Ho and others warn that ëThe use of
the Cauliflower Mosaic Viral Promoter has the potential to reactivate
dormant viruses or create new virusesÖ, and it is gene-splicedÖinto
nearly all genetically engineered foodsÖî (R. Cummins, pp. 33, 34)
* Scientific studies have demonstrated that ìall genetically
engineered crops contain bacterial DNAÖthat stimulates the immune system
to start a sequence of reactions leading to inflammationÖ arthritis, and
lymphoma (a malignant blood disease).î (PRAST, Internet)
* Two Canadian studies of Genetically modified foods show that ìgene
fragments from the food are circulated and sometimes integrated into the
chromosomes of the predator. Similarly, the products of genes on the
DNA of bacteriaÖgoverned how the bacterium interacted with the animal
host.î (Prof. Joe Cummins, internet)
* A Canadian mouse study ì Öclearly shows that genetic recombination
is capable of creating viruses (or other pathogens) with genes that
allow the pathogen to overcome host defense and to spread with little or
no control.î (Prof. J. Cummins, internet)

With data to show the health hazards of genetically engineered foods, why is thebiotech industry launching such a strong media
campaign to try to sell people on its use and to cover up its dangers? I thinkit may have started out with good intentions, as well as the promise of hugeprofits. It offered the promise of total control of the worlds food supply,large technical fees for use of its seeds, and increased sales of herbicides andpesticides. There are large sums of money invested in this technology, so itísdifficult for them to believe that the very thing they have gambled their futureon has turned out to be dangerous. With the banning of GM crops in othercountries, and the value of biotech stocks dwindling, this promising, profitablefuture is beginning to look dim, so they appear to be trying to hang on bysaturating the market so totally in this country, that Americans will feelpowerless to do anything about it. The companies that genetically engineer cropsare the same chemical companies that manufacture herbicides, pesticides, andpharmaceuticals, and their agenda is to sell more chemicals for huge profits. GMfoods offer no real benefits to the consumer or to the farmer. ìTheoverwhelming majority of GE crops Ö have been genetically altered to survivebeing sprayed with Ö highly toxic Ö herbicides, to produce their owninsecticides, or to have an increased shelf life. (R. Cummins, p. 24). ìCropsgenetically engineered to be herbicide-resistant account for 70% of all GE cropsplanted in 1998.î (R. Cummins, Natl. Director of the Organic Consumers Assoc.,Editor of Biodemocracy News, quoted in Torr, p. 115) The biotech/chemicalcompanies have consistently supplied false test data, ignored negative testresults and assured the public of the safety of GMOs through ìfalse andmisleading advertisingî. In 1996 and again in 1998, Monsanto was required bythe New York attorney general to stop making certain health and environmentalclaims in ads for glyphosate productsÖì But Monsanto is still making falseclaims about the safety of Roundup. (Herbicide Factsheet, p. 9) ìGlyphosate ison the Hazardous Substance List because it has been cited by theî Department ofTransportation, the National Toxicology Program, and the Human Health AssistanceGroup of the EPA. (NJ Dept. Of Health, Internet)

Monsanto spokesman, Phil Angel said ìMonsanto should not have to vouchsafe thesafety (of biotech food), our interest is in selling as much of it as possible.Assuring its safety is the FDAís job.î (Fred Walters, video) But when the FDAand other government regulatory authorities are staffed with former biotechemployees itís hard to get unbiased decisions. The biotech industry says thatGMOs are proven safe because people in the US have been eating them withouttheir knowledge for years without harmful effects. However, there are manyharmful side effects, but most people donít know whatís causing their problemsbecause the GMOs arenít labeled. Is it a strange coincidence that with theincrease of genetically modified foods goes an increase in ADHD, behavioralproblems, chronic fatigue, depression, cancer rates, infectious illnesses, andallergies? ìIn the US in the year 1900 cancer affected approximately 1 out of11 individuals. It now inflicts 1 out of 2 men, and 1 out of 3 women in theirlifetime. These rates relentlessly shot upward throughout the twentieth century.î(www.revivalnook.co/za) I believe, based on all the evidence, that it is allgreed and
power motivated,- to totally control the world by controlling its food, seed,nutritional supplements and medicines. How long are we going to allow a smallnumber of greed-motivated multinational corporations to take away our basicfreedoms of choice, of health, and of happiness? To safeguard our familyíshealth, and their lives, and our basic freedoms guaranteed by our constitution,we must act to bring about a total ban on all genetic engineering! We can nolonger allow ourselves to be unknowing guinea pigs for the biotech industry. Wecan no longer hide our heads in the sand like apathetic ostriches. We must dowhat ever we can to stop this, to protect our children from these horrors. Andthere is a lot we can do. Your action can make a difference!