Health fears over secret study into GM food

[kristine]

Rats fed GM corn due for sale in Britain developed abnormalities in blood and kidneys


Rats fed on a diet rich in genetically modified corn developed abnormalities to internal organs and changes to their blood, raising fears that human health could be affected by eating GM food.

The Independent on Sunday can today reveal details of secret research carried out by Monsanto, the GM food giant, which shows that rats fed the modified corn had smaller kidneys and variations in the composition of their blood.

Full Article...

[Ayinde]

How the technology works, and what it promises

By Tom Anderson
22 May 2005

What is it?

Genetically modified (GM) food is produced from plants or animals that have had their genetic material altered by scientists. Scientists are able to extract genes from organisms with desirable properties - such as a particular colour or resistance to a disease - and transfer them to another organism.

The process has sharply divided opinion, between those who believe the technology will enhance our lives and those who fear it will prove an advance too far. By far the most commonly modified organisms are crop plants. But the technology has been applied to almost all forms of life, from pets that glow under UV light to bacteria that form HIV-blocking "living condoms", and pigs bearing spinach genes.

If GM lives up to the opinions of its most enthusiastic supporters, it could reduce the use of pesticides and fertilisers, allow people to farm in harsh environments and increase crop yields. It could also make our food healthier and more nutritious to eat.

When did it begin?

Continue....