The Documented Health Risks Genetically Engineered Food

8/14/2019 The Documented Health Risks Genetically Engineered Food

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How do we avoidHow do we avoid

GMOs?GMOs? BuyBuyorganicorganic Buy products that areBuy products that are labeled non-labeled non-

GMOGMO

Buy products listed on aBuy products listed on aNon-GMO Shopping GuideNon-GMO Shopping Guide

AvoidAvoidat-risk ingredientsat-risk ingredients

www.responsibleresponsibletechnologytechnology..o

See


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Grow transformed

GM cellsvia cloning (tissueculture)


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GM plants could containGM plants could containunexpected high concentrationsunexpected high concentrationsof plant toxicants.of plant toxicants.

The possibility of unexpected,The possibility of unexpected,accidental changes inaccidental changes ingenetically engineered plantsgenetically engineered plants

justifies a limited traditionaljustifies a limited traditionaltoxicological study.toxicological study.

FDA ToxicologyFDA ToxicologyGroupGroup


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11.. Increased levels of knownIncreased levels of known

naturally occurring toxins,naturally occurring toxins,2. Appearance of new, not previously2. Appearance of new, not previouslyidentified toxins,identified toxins,

3. Increased tendency to gather3. Increased tendency to gathertoxic substances from thetoxic substances from theenvironment such as pesticidesenvironment such as pesticidesor heavy metals, andor heavy metals, and

4. Undesirable alterations in the4. Undesirable alterations in thelevels of nutrients.levels of nutrients.

They recommended testing every GM

food before it enters themarketplace.Division of Food Chemistry andDivision of Food Chemistry andTechnologyTechnology


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Residues of plantResidues of plantconstituents or toxicantsconstituents or toxicants

in meat and milkin meat and milkproducts may poseproducts may posehuman food safetyhuman food safety

concerns.concerns.

Gerald Guest, Director, FDAsGerald Guest, Director, FDAs

Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM)Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM)


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FDA declares GMOs nodifferent

The agency is not aware of anyinformation showing that foods

derived by these new methods differfrom other foods in any meaningful

or uniform way.

Food and Drug Administration

Statement of Policy

May 29, 1992


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Secret FDA

documentsconfirmed thatthe facts

contradictedthe statement


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What was said withinWhat was said within

FDAFDAThe processes of geneticThe processes of genetic

engineering and traditionalengineering and traditionalbreeding are different, andbreeding are different, and

according to the technicalaccording to the technical

experts in the agency, they leadexperts in the agency, they leadto different risks.to different risks.

Linda Kahl, FDA complianceLinda Kahl, FDA complianceofficer


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By trying to force anBy trying to force an

ultimate conclusion thatultimate conclusion that

there is no differencethere is no difference

between foods modified bybetween foods modified by

genetic engineering andgenetic engineering and

foods modified by traditionalfoods modified by traditional

breeding practices, thebreeding practices, theagency was trying to fit aagency was trying to fit a

square peg into a roundsquare peg into a round

hole.hole.


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Animal feeds derived fromAnimal feeds derived from

genetically modified plantsgenetically modified plantspresent unique animal and foodpresent unique animal and food

safety concerns.safety concerns.

I would urge you to eliminateI would urge you to eliminate

statements that suggest thatstatements that suggest that

the lack of information can bethe lack of information can be

used as evidence for noused as evidence for noregulatory concern.regulatory concern.

Gerald Guest, Director, FDAsGerald Guest, Director, FDAsCenter for Veterinary Medicine (CVM)Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM)


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There is a profound difference between the types ofThere is a profound difference between the types of

unexpected effects from traditional breeding andunexpected effects from traditional breeding and

genetic engineering,genetic engineering,

There is no certainty that [breeders] will be able toThere is no certainty that [breeders] will be able to

pick up effects that might not be obvious.pick up effects that might not be obvious.

This is the industrys pet idea, namely that thereThis is the industrys pet idea, namely that there

are no unintended effects that will raise the FDAsare no unintended effects that will raise the FDAs

level of concern. But time and time again, there is nolevel of concern. But time and time again, there is no

data to back up their contention.data to back up their contention.

FDA microbiologist Louis PribylFDA microbiologist Louis Pribyl


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What has happened to the scientificWhat has happened to the scientificelements of this document? Without aelements of this document? Without a

sound scientific base to rest on, thissound scientific base to rest on, this

becomes a broad, general, What do Ibecomes a broad, general, What do I

have to do to avoid trouble-typehave to do to avoid trouble-typedocument. . . . It will look like and probablydocument. . . . It will look like and probably

be just a political document. . . . It readsbe just a political document. . . . It reads

very pro-industry, especially in the area ofvery pro-industry, especially in the area ofunintended effects.unintended effects.

FDA microbiologist Louis PribylFDA microbiologist Louis Pribyl


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Based on the safety and nutritional assessmentBased on the safety and nutritional assessmentyou have conducted,you have conducted, it is our understanding thatit is our understanding that

Monsanto has concludedMonsanto has concluded that corn productsthat corn products

derived from this new varietyderived from this new variety are not materiallyare not materially

differentdifferent in composition, safety, and otherin composition, safety, and otherrelevant parameters from corn currently on therelevant parameters from corn currently on the

market, and that the genetically modified cornmarket, and that the genetically modified corn

does not raise issues that would requiredoes not raise issues that would require

premarket review or approval by FDA. . . . as youpremarket review or approval by FDA. . . . as you

are aware,are aware, it is Monsantos responsibility toit is Monsantos responsibility to

ensure that foods marketed by the firm areensure that foods marketed by the firm are

safesafe......


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First GMCrop

FlavrSavrTomato


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Yuk!

Rats refused

to eat the

tomato


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After 28 days

7 of 20 rats developed stomach lesio7 of 20 rats developed stomach lesio

Another 7 of 40 died within 2 weeksAnother 7 of 40 died within 2 weeksIndustry study


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Unexpectedchangesin the DNA

Mutations (2-4% ofMutations (2-4% of

DNA)DNA)Deletion of genesDeletion of genes

Permanently on or offPermanently on or offAltered geneAltered gene

expressionexpression

(up to 5%)(up to 5%)


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Disruption of geneDisruption of genenetworksnetworksJuly 1, 2007, New York Times:July 1, 2007, New York Times:

The presumption that genes operateThe presumption that genes operateindependently has been institutionalized. . . . It isindependently has been institutionalized. . . . It is

the economic and regulatory foundation on whichthe economic and regulatory foundation on which

the entire biotechnology industry is built.the entire biotechnology industry is built.

Evidence of a networked genome shatters theEvidence of a networked genome shatters the

scientific basis for virtually every official riskscientific basis for virtually every official risk

assessment of todays commercial biotechassessment of todays commercial biotech

products.products.

Yet to date, every attempt to challenge safetyYet to date, every attempt to challenge safety

claims for biotech products has been categoricallyclaims for biotech products has been categoricallydismissed, or derided as unscientific.dismissed, or derided as unscientific.


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RNAProteins

Natural compound

DNA changes can alter


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UK attempts to createlong-term safety studies


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Dr. Arpad

Pusztai


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GM potatoes

damaged rats(10 or 110days)Rats developed Potentially pre-

cancerous cell growthin the digestive tract

Smaller brains, livers

and testicles Partial atrophy of the

liver, and Immune system

damage Lancet, 1999 & others


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Intestinal Wall

Non-GM GM


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Stomach lining

Non-GM GM


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second cause of problemThe protein

producedby the inserted

gene

may be harmful


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Herbicide tolerance (73%)

Roundup Ready

Liberty Link

Pesticide production (18%)

Bt toxin Crops with both traits (8%)

Two primary

traits


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Mice react to Bt-toxin

In realityPeople react to Bt sprayBt survives digestion


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BtincropsThousands of times more

concentrated than the spray

Designed to be more toxic

Has properties of aknown allergen


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Bt cottonHundreds of

laborers in Indiareported allergicreactions to Bt

cotton


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fever

somein

hospital

itchingburningeruptionsred, swelling

wateryred

sneezingrunny noseBtcotton

fever

someinhospital

itchingburning

inflammation

red, swelling

watery

red

sneezingrunny nose

asthma

BtSpray

Overall

SkinEyesUpperrespirator

y


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Thousands of

sheep died aftergrazing on

Bt cotton plants

Bt cotton


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The Andhra Pradesh

government has advised

farmers not to allow animals to

graze on Bt cotton fields after

four institutes reported thepresence of toxins in them.

The Hindustan Times, 17 June 2007


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Bt corn, reports

12 cowsdied on

aGermanfarm


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Bt corn, reports

Farmers saypigs

andcowsbecamesterile


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Bt corn, reports

Inhaledpollen

ma have


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feversome inhospital

swellingsneezingasthmacoughsnose

bleeds

Btcorn

pollen

feversome inhospital

Itching,burninginflammation,red, swelling

wateryred

sneezingrunnynoseasthma

BtSpray

OverallSkinEyesUpperrespiratory

Other symptoms: headache, stomach ache, dizziness,diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, numbness.

9 horses, 4 water buffalos, and 37 chickens died after eating

the corn.5 unexplained human deaths..


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Rats ate Bt corn (90days)

Indicators for

Liver and kidneytoxicity

Blood pressure

problems,

allergies, infections

or disease, higher

blood sugar and

anemiaMonsantoMonsantostudystudy


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Third reason for

problemsThe protein may be different thanintended


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he transgene sequence may

Mutateor

truncateRearrange

Be read

differentlyProducemultiple

proteins


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The proteinmay:

Be folded differently

Have different molecules


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Mice hadan

immuneresponse

to GMpea

protein

AgriculturalFood Chemistry,

2005


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More herbicide residuesin herbicide tolerant

Fourth possible problem


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Chickens fedLiberty Linkcorn died at

twice

the rate

Industry study


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Fifthpossibleproblem

Gene

transfer tgut

bacteriaor


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TransferTransfer

ofof

transgentransgenes to gutes to gut

bacteriabacteria

isis

optimizedoptimized

BacterialBacterial

sequences aresequences are

easier toeasier totransfer totransfer to

bacteriabacteria

The genesThe genes

promoterpromoter

works inworks in

bacteriabacteria


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Nature Biotechnology, 2004


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What

cantransferPromoter

Antibioticresistant marker

Roundup Ready

genes

Viral genes

Summary:Summary:


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Summary:Summary:

Possible Sources ofPossible Sources of

ProblemsProblems1.1. Disruption ofDisruption of

DNADNA

2.2. GM proteinGM protein

3.3. Changes in theChanges in the

proteinprotein

4.4. HerbicideHerbicide

residuesresidues


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Case Study: Roundup ReadySoy


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.Disrupted DNA

Damaged section

near transgene

Extra transgenefragments

European Food Research and Technology


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ltered nutrients

Increased: Anti-nutrient (soy lectin)

Allergen (trypsininhibitor)

Lignin (disease related?)Reduced:

Protein A fatty acid

An essential amino

acid


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GM soy has higher lignin

contentComponents of thissame biochemical

pathway alsoproduce rotenone,a plant-producedinsecticide that may

cause Parkinsonsdisease.David Schubert, PhD, SalkInstitute


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. Protein may be harmful

Properties ofa known

allergen (dustmite)


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.GM protein may be altere

RNA was longer than intended Further processed into four

variants, which may create

unintended proteins


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4. Increased herbicide

138 million pounds more in the US in the first 9years

In 2004, approximately 86% more Roundup on GM

soy

Increased fusarium on crops (wheat, soy roots)


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Herbicide use isHerbicide use is

acceleratingacceleratingEstimated 120 million pound increase in 2 yearsIn 1 year, 2005-2006, the increase was 38%

Usage of the more toxic 2,4-D was up 237% 2004-2006


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5.Gene transferSoy transgenes wereconfirmed in human gut


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Evidence of GM soy-

related problems


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Soon afterGM soy

was

introducedinto the UK,

soy

allergiesskyrockete

d

by 50%.

York Laboratory


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One patient hada positive skintest

result to GMOsoybeans only.

Skin prick tes

Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, 2005

Mice fed GMMice fed GM


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soysoyPancreasPancreas

Reduced digestiveReduced digestiveenzymesenzymes

Altered cell structureAltered cell structure Altered gene expressionAltered gene expressionJournal of Anatomy, 2002Journal of Anatomy, 2002

European Journal of Histochemistry, 2003European Journal of Histochemistry, 2003

P ibl f i


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Possible causes for increaseallergies

Digestion impaired

New allergen created

Known allergen increased

Herbicide residues increased

Roundup Ready (RR) protein may beallergenic

RR protein continuously produced insideour intestines


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Rabbits Fed Roundup ReadyRabbits Fed Roundup Ready

SoySoy(For 40 days)(For 40 days)

Increased cellIncreased cell

metabolismmetabolism

Changed enzymeChanged enzyme

levels in the kidneys,levels in the kidneys,hearts and livershearts and livers

Animal Science, 2006



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soysoyLiverLiver

Cells damagedCells damaged

Altered gene expressionAltered gene expression

Higher metabolic activityHigher metabolic activity(suggesting toxic insult)(suggesting toxic insult)

Cell Structure and Function,Cell Structure and Function,

20022002

Mice livers


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Mice livers

Control GM-fed

Hepatocyte Nuclei

Mice livers


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Mice livers

Control GM-fed

Hepatocyte Nuclei

Rat Livers


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Rat LiversC, D GM-soy group, B control group

A C

D

Dr. Irina Ermakova

Mice fed GM


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Mice fed GM

soyTesticular cells had altered

structure and

function

European Journal of Histochemistry, 2004European Journal of Histochemistry, 2004

Rat testicles


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ControControll GM soy fedGM soy fed

GM-soyGM-soyControlControl

Offspring of Mice


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Offspring of Mice

Fed GMSoyYoung embryos from GM-fed

parents had temporarydecrease in geneexpression

InIn


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M t lit f tM t lit f t

First Generation


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Mortality of rat pupsMortality of rat pups

Control GM-soy Non-GM soyIrina Ermakova, 2005-2007

GM-soy

M t lit


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group

rmakova Irina, 2005-2007

Mortalit

y of ratoffspring forone dayControl Non-

GMsoy

GM-soy

Rat littersat

Non-GM soygroup


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at9-days from

mothersfed

non-GM

or GM soy.GM-soy group

Irina Ermakova, 2005-2007


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19-day old ratsLarger rat is from control group;

smaller from GM-soy group.Irina Ermakova,


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Preliminary evidenceRat offspring did not

conceive

When the entireWhen the entire


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When the entireWhen the entire

Russian facility began usingRussian facility began usingGM soy-based feed,GM soy-based feed,

infant mortalityinfant mortalityfor all rats hit 55.3%.for all rats hit 55.3%.


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M crops are so bad, why dont we see more problem


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Killed about 100 andcaused

5,000-10,000 to fall sick

L-tryptophan produced by GMbacteria


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The epidemicThe epidemicwas discoveredwas discovered

because thebecause thediseasedisease

Was new, with uniquesymptoms

Acute

Came on quickly

C rrent


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Current

Assessments

No post-marketingsurveillance

No humanclinical trials

No proper evaluationof plant changesor effects

Approvals based on

disproved or untesteassumptions

Industrystudies


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Rate yourself 1-100 1-100, How vigilant to avoid GM food when eating out?

How vigilant will you be to avoid bringing GM food

home?

How active do you plan to be helping to stop this?


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How do weHow do we stopstopthe geneticthe genetic

engineering ofengineering of

ourour food supplyfood supply??


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Dr. Arpad

Pusztai

Limited expansionLimited expansion


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4 major crops 2 major traits

6 countries

2.4% of global agriculturalland

Limited expansionLimited expansion

GM Sugar Beet


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GM Sugar Beet

Alert!Harvest planned for fall, 2008Harvest planned for fall, 2008www.DontPlantGMOBeets.orgwww.DontPlantGMOBeets.org


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As far as you know, have youever eaten genetically

modified foods?

No........................................60%

Dont Know...........................15%

Yes.......................................25%

US awareness islow


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Tipping point for USrejection of GM

crops may be quitesoon

Campaign for Healthier


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Campaign for Healthier

Eating in America

www.ResponsibleTechnology.org

General


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General

population

School


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mealsUnderintensescrutiny

Removing junk

foods

HealthHealthf i lf i l


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professionalsprofessionalsI used to test for soyallergies all the time, but

now that soy is geneticallyengineered, it is so

dangerous that I tell

people never to eat itunless it says organic.

John H. Boyles, MD, ear, nose,and throat, and allergy specialist


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eligious groupseligious groups

Health


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Health-

consciousshoppers 28 million adults are

high usage organicbuyers

54 million aretemperate organicshoppersHealth and Wellness Trends

Database

Ti i i i


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Tipping point against

rBGH September 2006, Boston

Globe

Dairies are rushing to ridtheir bottled milk of artificialgrowth hormones. . . it couldbe a tipping point. October2006, New York

Times

It seems to be an explosionin

the industry.Wal-Mart, Kroger, Starbucks,and

about 40 of the top 100

dairies


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Education is Key!Education is Key!


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How do we avoidHow do we avoid

GMOs?GMOs? BuyBuyorganicorganic Buy products that areBuy products that are labeled non-labeled non-GMOGMO

Buy products listed on aBuy products listed on a

Non-GMO Shopping GuideNon-GMO Shopping Guide AvoidAvoidat-risk ingredientsat-risk ingredientsSee

Documents

The Documented Health Risks Genetically Engineered Food