Why is it that only part of the world can escape being force fed things they don’t want to eat? Two-thirds of European Union’s countries have opted out on GMO crops in accordance with the choices left to them following the EU’s FESA ruling on their safety several months ago. The rest of the 28 countries in the EU aren’t likely to follow suit, because the deadline to reject Monsanto’s seed sales in their territory ended on October 2nd.
The rejection included most of the UK, but not England. Joining them in a partial national ban was Belgium, while the following filed for a total rejection of Monsanto’s MON810 corn:
[column size=one_third position=first ]- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Denmark
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Slovenia
What exactly does this mean? Opting out results in no seed sales in the countries that filed the rejection request, basically banning them in the entire nation, or stipulated portions of it. And as you can imagine, Monsanto judges these countries as being “unscientific.”
No Glyphosate Reduction
The only genetically engineered crop grown commercially in Europe, and only in Spain and Portugal to date – MON810 is a BT toxin corn/maize variety – not a Roundup Ready seed product. Still it can totally devastate organic crops nearby through wind drift and pollinators. And is it really important whether the plant is resistant to glyphosate or produces it’s own insecticide? Monsanto is top notch at creating toxic substances and insuring it is spread hither and yon while insisting its the greatest thing ever… so the real question is: Why are we being fed by a poison expert?
Glyphosate Cancer Labeling
Following on the heels of the WHO declaration that glyphosate is ‘probably’ carcinogenic to humans in March, the State of California became the first government to regulate the chemical in September. The California EPA has added glyphosate to the list of potential cancer-causing agent requiring exposure warning labeling under Proposition 65, along with 3 insecticides: tetrachlorvinphos, parathion, and malathion. The Prop 65 list states over 800 chemicals that anyone who sells or uses them in an employment situation must provide a “clear and reasonable health warning” to consumers and workers – Roundup and competitive glyphosate herbicides included.
Naturally, Monsanto isn’t happy about this. Any challenge that erupts surrounding one of their products provokes their ire, if not worse. Given the massive amount of acreage devoted to agriculture in California, its not likely they’ll allow the ruling to stick. Claiming that there’s a general consensus among global regulatory authorities that glyphosate is not a carcinogen, the ag giant has said that the State of California’s actions are illegal.
Meanwhile, the number of lawsuits against Monsanto for Roundup causing several forms of cancer are piling up across the United States. The corporation rejects them all, stating that when used according to the label directions their signature weed killer is perfectly safe and poses no threat to human health at all. Interesting, given that all their studies last only 90 days, and cover only the active ingredient, while Roundup as complete mixture is never tested. Yet, a 2 year study on Roundup and GMO feed concluded last year found that there were a number of reasons that the opposite is true – even at recommended levels. The findings and details were published in the Environmental Sciences Europe Journal last June, which include tumors, and kidney damage.
Kidney & Liver Damage Findings
A second, more recent paper on a long term Roundup toxicity study was just published at the end of August 2015 in the Environmental Health Journal. The findings were that even at an ultra-low dose there was damage to both the liver and kidneys from continuous exposure.
What’s an ultra-low dose? Less than the amount of glyphosate that is allowed in tap water. Yes, rats are smaller than humans, but they are mammals. The amounts administered in these studies are proportionate to the lab animals weight and size.
These two 2 year studies on the toxicity of Roundup are the first that go beyond isolated glyphosate, and study constant intake via food and water. We already know that ultra-low levels are in the food supply, water ways, and the air. The use of glyphosate and Roundup is now 20 times more per year than a decade ago, and will continue to increase the more weed killer resistant GMO cropland exists in the world.
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