Maine lawmakers along with members of the grassroots coalition, Organic Consumers Association, have put forth a bill, LD 991, with strong bipartisan support to label GMOs immediately. Not with strange “supporting-state clauses,” and not in years to come – but NOW.
Maine has just as much chance as winning this GMO-labeling fight as Vermont –and they did win – even against the seemingly endless funds of Monsanto, the Grocery Manufacturer’s Association, and infiltrated FDA and USDA within our government.
Previously, Maine passed a GMO labeling law which contained a trigger clause which required five Northeast states, including New Hampshire, to also pass mandatory labeling laws before Maine’s law to protect consumers from biotech could become active. Maine’s 2013 law also said that if the five-state threshold isn’t met by December 31, 2018, the bill is dead. That’s why this new bill, LD 991 is so important.
Katherine Paul, a resident of Freeport, Maine, and associate director of the Organic Consumers Association, said:
“Mainers overwhelmingly support the right to know if the food they put on the dinner table every night contains genetically modified organisms. Sixty-seven countries that represent sixty-five percent of the world’s population have already embraced transparency through GMO labelling. We believe that Maine is ready to lead the nation and adopt this common-sense requirement to ensure that we have a choice in the types of foods we decide to feed to our children.”
The new bill is trigger-free, which means it could go into effect as soon as it was voted through, and it needs your support – even if you don’t live in Maine. Why? Because every state that wins out over Monsanto is another nail in their proverbial coffin – and they will be defeated.
No longer will seed monopolizing companies who really just want to sell chemicals to farmers and ruin our food supply be allowed to win.
The grassroots coalition is trying to raise $200,000 by March 31st in order to help promote his new labeling bill. You can call representatives in Maine and tell them exactly what you think of allowing Monsanto and other biotech and food corporations to continue to feed the world toxic food.
Rep. Michelle Dunphy, D-Old Town, the bill’s lead sponsor, said:
“Take a look at any food product that you see in the grocery store. There are labels that show nutritional facts such as total calories, sugars, and carbohydrates, labels that indicate measurements, like the number of ounces in a soda, and in many cases, bottle deposit information for several different states, not to mention constant re-branding for marketing purposes. Opponents of this bill contend that labeling will place a hardship on producers. But this argument simply fails to pass the straight-faced test.”
As I’ve said before, whittling away at the power of Monsanto and their GMO ‘seed’ is like carving a fine sculpture from ice –because that is what the corporate executives seem to have running through their veins. Speak out loudly. It works, as evidenced in Vermont.
The problem with mandatory labeling laws are the loopholes that will effectively make the laws useless.
” The bill exempts products produced without knowledge that the products, or
9 items used in their production, were genetically engineered; animal products derived from
10 an animal that was not genetically engineered but was fed genetically engineered food;
11 and products with only a minimum content produced by genetic engineering. The bill
12 also provides that the disclosure requirements do not apply to restaurants, alcoholic
13 beverages or medical food”
http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP0490&item=1&snum=126&PID=0
That’s a pretty big loophole. I guess ignorance is bliss when it comes to mandatory labeling of GMOs in Maine.
This is all about the right to know. Americans will no longer tolerate being kept in the dark. Democracy must reign supreme and bring back the rights of Americans taken away from the ruthless corporations.
SAY NO TO GMO!
So now you want a revolution Johnny? Trying to turn our republic in to a democracy? Sounds treasonist to me Johnny.
It already is a Democracy, Why do you think everything is so Fxxx Ux? Give up the Bill of Rights, and the Republic for a shitty cell phone.
It is screwed up because people like you spread misinformation.
It’s you are spreading misinformation, moron. Monsanto has a deep legacy of “CORRUPTIONS and “COVER UP” for more than a century, dimwit.
So does Germany, yet today they are a very respected country. Quit living in the past. GMOs stand on their own. Not all gmos come from Monsanto anyway your point isn’t valid.
A Catal’s point is valid because Monsanto keeps covering up and getting caught
http://gmo-awareness.com/2011/05/12/monsanto-dirty-dozen/
None of your troll rant responses are valid Sammy. Try and get a certain research paper from Monsanto and they will tell you to go pound sand. They are hiding it. It reminds me of Hussein who wouldn’t let the US check out their chemical warfare silos. Hey that’s right Monsanto is no different than Hussein- what an interesting analogy. Hey Sammy what do youi know about this?
Try and get private information from any company, they are called trade secrets you moron. By the way what type of government do we have again?
Trade secrets – tell us why O wise sage?
How about that government thing there johnny?
Please Skeptologist
Please come back I need someone with intelligence and moxy to fence with. You know this clown GMO Roberts – he just isn’t providing me with any intelligent banter. I just feel my posts are being wasted on a fifth grade loser.
Anything you say is being wasted loser. By the way what type of government do we have?
Hey great when you and your sister ask me to prove what I say I’ll just say ” it’s a trade secret.”
Monkeys could guess better than you johnny, sorry, but no sister. How about that government thing.
Thanks bud that just gave me a big laugh. I think I am getting to understand your motives now,.
My motive is just trying to gain more wisdom from you (this is sarcasm I’m sure you didn’t get it so I thought I would point it out). Like what type of government we have.
“Moron” now Sammy that’s not nice. Are you losing your composure? Time for your pill isn’t it?
Your right, I appologize, to all the morons out there for putting johnny in that group. Even they at least know what type of government we have.
Translation please
LOL, I can believe anyone that doesn’t know what kind of government we have can’t figure it out.
Still don’t know what you wrote?
Wrong answer. Try again.
I think your brain isn’t valid.
And will be well into the distant future long after your gone.
I’m not spreading misinformation. That’s what the media and politicians do. What cracks me up is people do the pledge, then start talking democracy. But lets face it, we both know the USA is a Plutocracy. Didn’t you get your cell phone?
Pint get your cell phone issue, but I have seen you spread plenty of misinformation on here. By the way we are a republic.
If we were a Republic You would want labeling. Can’t have it both ways Bobo!
We are a republic whether you like it or not and no I don’t believe in labeling under any type of government.
Oh geez I love that name Bobo- it suits Roberts just like a tee. Can I use that?
LOL Your kidding right? Call him what ever you want, I don’t care.
Your brain is a republic brain – you are stuck in neutral buddy- As they say you got your thumb in your bum (brain) and your mind is in neutral.
I didn’t think you knew the word. You are half way home johnny bozo.
Now Bobo no need in getting upset. Calm down now and take a deep breath…No No not into that pipe…..geez
Come on now you are almost there tell us what type of government we have johnny.
Wrong! U.S. now is a “Fascist Communist” as it mention in last week news source.
Wrong! U.S. is now a “Fascist Communist” as it mention in last week news.
Watching CNBC again? You know what type we have just admit it for a change johnny.
Prove we are a republic.
Look at the definition johnny simpleton.
Thanks for proving you can’t prove it
You don’t learn if I do it for you. Try for yourself johnny, now what kind of government do we have?
How would you know information from misinformation?
Easy if you say it, it is misinformation. Remember the government thing John boy?
Please just answer the question like a good boy.
As soon as you admit you were wrong johnny.
No sorry wrong answer – try again.
As soon as you admit you were wrong johnny.
Sammy you are such a pawn. Don’t you get tired of being manipulated by the big boys. Come on – be a man. Stand up on your own 4 feet! Think for yourself for a CHANGE.
Strange how you try to discredit anyone that disagrees with you. Shame your tactic does work either. By the way what type of government do we have johnny.
Now you are walking on our citizens initiative that won overwhelming approval Maine is preparing for the legal challenge and we have drawn it against invisible industry food allowances that have contaminated just about everything except the light of truth in people and real scientists which is beaming in and it will become blinding to these corporations industries and Federal Agencies when it shines on their questionable ingredients. Bring it on Maine Government and all of New England step into this food fight, support Vermont we have been waiting for this day not just us but our country. Thank you Vermont for signing your GMO Food Label passage into LAW ,CT,ME did but waited and MA is hearing their Label Bill now Maine stands with Katherine Paul and Representative Michelle Dunphy and all the Legislative supporters that vote YES on this LD 991. Every Maine citizen supports LD 991and whatever we must do to protect our food rights. Thank you Christina this made my day!!! Everyone here please get the book ALTERD GENES TWISTED TRUTH by Steven M Druker and film BOUGHT by Jeff Hayes.
Screw you GMOR go watch your fields with squirt guns.
I’m hoping for victory! I live in Washington state and watched as big money stomped all hopes of winning. Same with CA and OR. If people would just get educated and understand what is being done to their food but you have GMO Roberts and others who keep brain washing these foolish sheep. And that goes for everything that is happening in this country. Bury their heads in the sand thinking this government cares about us and don’t have a clue that we are slowly dying.
I think Americans have became complacent. But I think they are waking up to the realization that this monster ( no, not you Mr. Roberts- don’t get conceited) can be slain. Americans must take back their freedoms just like we did for Vietnam. I loved that time when young Americans said NO and WE – that’s right WE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE forced our government to get out of Vietnam. This is another big threat to our Nation. We must do everything in our power to block this virus from taking over our land.
Thank you Sue I know I’m so sorry Because I know the dedication and sacrifice these initiatives entail on citizens participating. I sent contributions to all people’s state gmo label initiatives. Americans must not be divided by state boundaries on this GMO experiment, this battle incurs complex politics. Here in Maine we kept busy corresponding GMO issues, more than just labels with our Legislatures ,Vermont needs us NOW and we got that message received with action from our State Rep’s to Amend with Repeal of time and becoming Law Its moving in committees as we speak.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful. committed citizens can change the world Indeed its the only thing that ever has” Margaret Mead
We did it in South Portland against Tar Sands pipeline we defeated that International tar Sand oil group cliff hanger with “Clear Skies Ordinance” enacted by Law with Portland City Council We attended multiple public hearings within our communities, rallied in the Portland streets 3 times with Maine people, my Congress woman came and spoke supporting us, business professionals, college professionals ,students, organic farmers. ,moms dads kids, and even dogs many environmental groups 350 .org,Sierra Club, Food and Water Watch, etc people bused in from 3 New England states It was amazing being part of it we had police escorts with streets closed as we walked our talk and defeated the climate monster of fossil fuel threats right on that peir it was threatening to be reversed tar sand delivery into Maine. NOT!!!. 400,000 Americans showed up in NY city Sept 2014 for the biggest climate march in history and that’s who we must be now on all these Citizens Initiatives All for One and One for All America!
I think it is great. The quicker more of these bills pass, the quicker the federal government will step in and solve the entire mess with voluntary labeling. So go screw yourself little autumn witch.
Sticks and stones really I told you I have ammunition its Supernatural.
you are a funny troll you even called yourself a red neck but I do believe red necks are above you and voluntary labels.
You believe whatever you wish because that is what fantasyland is all about, but the real world is going to suck for you, if you ever make it back.
This world won’t be worth living in if the GMO tyranny gets power here. And you will be the first to get down on your 4s and pray for a stop to the madness. When the land can’t sustain the chemicals anymore and farmers will be finished you will be alone and crying for forgiveness. It’s hard to believe that someone like yourself with a grade 9 education could be so oblivious to this chemical carnage going on around you. Time to wake up Sammy.
Lol that will be the day johnny. What type of government will we have then?
Talk about fantasy land how’s the sanitarium working out. I am surprised they let you have a computer though.
Is that where im at in your fantasy land? What kind of government do we have there?
You know at first I got tired of your misunderstanding about the republic but actually I look forward to your jabs because they always put a smile on my face.
It gives me my daily ( or hourly chuckle) Keep on feeding the troll machine Sammy.
That’s good because it is here to stay johnny. By the way tell us again about our government.
The Corrupted real world … decisions enslaved to money Yea I live on Jupiter getting ready to watch people spend,consume and decorate for that cleverly deceptive,but marketable celebration on earth.
Fantasyland….. not any more maybe some glowing chimera bunnies will light up the excitement help the kids find those hidden eggs
OMG Sammy how rude! Are you getting upset?
I guess you have come to the realization that hundreds of thousands of Americans will eventually have their way and bring democracy back to this great land. If you don’t get out of the way you’ll be trodden on ole kid.
Bring it back? It hasn’t been here yet. You still haven’t yet learned what kind of a country this is have you? How sad.
OK I have to apologize but I need another troll on this board that I can have a good two sided argument that challenges me. Anyone out there. I just can’t get any mileage out of Give Me Odor Roberts
You sound frustrated johnny. So sad. What type of government do we have again?
OK, I promised myself I wouldn’t but I am going have to tell Jean and Carl what you said. They wouldn’t appreciate it. You’re going to get a whippin Sam. You asked for it!
Gosh I’m scared! Did you tell them what kind of government you think we have?
Oh my will you stop that government thing. I just laughed so hard my wife asked me what was wrong
Now you want us to believe there is another human being dumb enough to actually live with you? You are a riot johnny, keep them coming. By the way what type of government do we have again?
You should know – You represent the fascists. How did your revolt go. By the way talk about revolting………
You just can’t resist me -can you?
Here till the end to try to educate you johnny.
I already passed the 1st grade Sammy. Keep on trying
They must have passed you just to get rid of you, here they taught us the pledge of allegiance in kindergarten. What type of government we got again John boy?
Nice one John : )))) and thanks for all you are doing and saying!!!!
Looks like Maine had it with “Hurry up and Wait”. I’ll still bet there still (as I would of been) at the RNC in Tampa. Pay backs a bitch aint it! We hit the tipping point after Seralini’ NK 603 study in 2013.
Die Monkyrie Die. When King Barry took over Monsatan stock was at about $81.00 today it’s at $116.00. They all LIE!!
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
The San Francisco Chronicle recently discovered that the new bill intended to regulate the chemical industry was written by… the chemical industry.
That’s right. The American Chemistry Council, the leading trade organization and lobbying arm of the chemical industry, has left its fingerprints all over the very legislation that is supposed to regulate it.
It would almost be laughable if there were not so much at stake – but this could not be more serious. This bill would fail to ensure that chemicals are safe, fail to set meaningful deadlines for safety reviews, fail to provide the Environmental Protection Agency with adequate resources and deny states the ability to enforce their own laws to protect public health and the environment.
Our nation’s toxic chemicals policy has been broken for 39 years. Now, there are two competing bills in the Senate to update it: one that protects you (introduced by Sens. Boxer and Markey), and one that protects the chemical industry (introduced by Sens. Udall and Vitter).
We need to make sure that real chemical reform is passed. It’s time to call on President Obama and the Senate to oppose the bill written by the chemical industry.
That would be nice if the Senate and Obama would oppose the bill, but Monsanto and company have had lobbied with lots of money, the only thing they really care about, not us.
GMO Roberts, do you just sit one these anti gmo sites to harass people?
Could you translate into English?
Thanks
Sorry wrong post. Please disregard.
What I’m saying is this GMO Robert likes to push your button’s to get a reaction from you. The trolls enjoy it.
You’ve got to start somewhere. We wouldn’t have to do this if the government wasn’t foolish enough to let Monsanto get away with fast tracking GMOs in the first place. You really are missing the forest for the trees here.
Why do we have to start anywhere with labelling? I’m not convinced there is any rational, evidence-based reason for mandatory labelling.
No of course you don’t because mandatory labeling would continue the dominance that government and big corporations have over the ordinary American citizen. You and GMO Roberts are in the same camp. You both feel that the American consumer is not smart enough or able enough to decide for themselves what they should or should not be eating. Your admission of complicity is very obvious. Your only reason you can come up with is some pathetic financial one. That these huge profit churning companies that spend millions on anti labeling lobbying overshadows the small price they would pay for a simple label is a joke. The American consumer is much more intelligent than what you give them credit for.
So your plan is to keep the American consumer from knowing what goes into their food. This enables the fascist regime to continue their power dominance over the people.
Institute for Responsible Technology
Before the FDA decided to allow GMOs into food without labeling, FDA scientists
had repeatedly warned that GM foods can create unpredictable,
hard-to-detect side effects, including allergies, toxins, new diseases,
and nutritional problems. They urged long-term safety studies, but were ignored.
Since then
Thousands of sheep, buffalo, and goats in India died after grazing on Bt cotton plants
Mice eating GM corn for the long term had fewer, and smaller, babies
More than half the babies of mother rats fed GM soy died within three weeks, and were smaller
Testicle cells of mice and rats on GM soy change significantly
By the third generation, most GM soy-fed hamsters lost the ability to have babies
Rodents fed GM corn and soy showed immune system responses and signs of toxicity
Cooked GM soy contains as much as 7-times the amount of a known soy allergen
Soy allergies skyrocketed by 50% in the UK, soon after GM soy was introduced
The stomach lining of rats fed GM potatoes showed excessive cell growth, a condition that may lead to cancer.
Studies showed organ lesions, altered liver and pancreas cells, changed enzyme levels, etc.
Unlike safety evaluations for drugs, there are no human clinical
trials of GM foods. The only published human feeding experiment revealed
that the genetic material inserted into GM soy transfers into bacteria
living inside our intestines and continues to function. This means that
long after we stop eating GM foods, we may still have their GM proteins produced continuously inside us. This could mean:
If the antibiotic gene inserted into most GM crops were to transfer, it could create super diseases, resistant to antibiotics If the gene that creates Bt-toxin in GM corn were to transfer, it might turn our intestinal bacteria into living pesticide factories.
Although no studies have evaluated if antibiotic or Bt-toxin genes transfer, that is one of the key problems. The safety assessments are too superficial to even identify most of the potential dangers from GMOs. See our Health Risks brochure and State of the Science report for more details and citations.
Recent health studies provide growing evidence of harm from GMOs:
GM Corn Damages Liver and Kidneys
Meat Raised on GM Feed is Different
Roundup Could Cause Birth Defects
Genetically Modified Soy Linked to Sterility
Don’t care what the institute for responsible technology says. It’s not an institution. It’s Jeffery Smith’s company. It’s a publishing outfit, not a research organization. Find credible sources if you want me to take you seriously.
And do you take Monsanto seriously and why?
Testbiotech e.V.
Biotechnology has reached a crucial stage. There are several technical options for interfering with and manipulating basic mechanisms of life and thus impacting deeply on the future of all living beings on earth – with regard to not only ecology, but also ethical, social and economic aspects.
It is in the interests of civil society to closely follow current developments and applications in biotechnology, and to assess their implications on humans and the environment without being influenced by the economic interests of the biotech industry. The history of biotechnology and the present situation show huge deficits in this area.In particular, the general development and impact of agrobiotechnology is strongly aligned with industrial interests and influenced by political priorities to promote the economy. Mechanisms for the general public to participate in, influence or change objectives and the decision making process are poorly developed, or even completely lacking. Taking into account the broad distribution of products derived from genetically engineered plants in seeds, food and feed or biomass, there is a huge demand for high level protection of consumers and the
environment. Testbiotech aims to make independent research and transparency higher priorities in political decision making.
Testbiotech was founded in 2008 by a group of experts and registered as a non-profit organisation to promote independent research and public debate on the impacts of biotechnology. Testbiotech is a centre of expertise concerned mainly with the ecological, social and ethical consequences of modern biotechnology. Special emphasis is placed on genetic engineering applications in agriculture. We deal with risk assessment and risk management, socio-economic consequences (e.g. caused by patents on seeds or livestock), developments in the regulatory framework and new approaches in plant and animal breeding (besides genetic engineering). Testbiotech conducts its own studies or commissions research projects from other institutions and uses the relevant findings to raise broader public awareness.
The dedicated team at Testbiotech have long-term experience in dealing with various aspects of modern biotechnology and are accustomed to networking with other independent experts. Testbiotech aims to bridge the gap between science and the broader public, to interconnect the
interests of society, research goals and political decision making.
MON810 Maize (Monsanto)
10. April 2012 – 23:57
MON810 produces a Bt toxin
which is toxic to European corn borer instars and other organisms. The Monsanto maize was one of the first to be authorized within the EU and has a long history of political disputes, consumer reaction and scientific controversies. MON810 is one of the best-documented cases to illustrate some deficiencies in the risk assessment of genetically engineered plants.
MON810 was investigated much more thoroughly than many other genetically engineered plants but its effects on non-target organisms are still under discussion. This includes effects on the larvae of European butterflies which are known to be susceptible to the Bt-toxin, the
impacts on various other organisms found in soil and water as well as on predators and bees (for overview see Cotter, 2009; Lövei et al., 2009; Lang & Otto, 2010). The lack of empirical data has been stop-gapped with a model for assessing risks for non-target lepidopetera proposed by Perry et al. (2010) and Perry et al. (2011). Since basic data needed for proper modeling are missing, the outcome of the opinion reveals major uncertainties (see Lang & Otto, 2010; Lang et al., 2011).There are many open questions concerning the toxicology of the Bt toxin that has been substantially modified compared to the native form. It may
be toxic to a wider range of species than expected (Hilbeck & Schmid, 2006; Then, 2010a). The toxin which is used in MON810 is likely to be the best examined Bt toxin but also in this case the mode of action of Bt toxins is not fully understood. It is even a matter of controversial debate (Pigott & Ellar, 2007). Strict selectivity of the Bt toxins is not shown by empirical evidence but deduced from its mode of action as described previously. More recent research (Soberon etal., 2009) shows that there are mechanisms that might cause toxicity in other species and even in mammals. Hilbeck et al. (2012) show that expectations in strict selectivity in Cry1Ab are failing in regard to non-target organisms. Mesnage et al. (2012) show that Cry1Ab toxins usedin genetically engineered plants can impact human cells.
As Pardo Lopez et al. (2009) and Pigott et al. (2008) show, synthetically derived and modified Bt toxins can show much higher toxicity than native proteins. Even small changes in the structure of the proteins can cause huge changes in toxicity. Thus, risks for human
health cannot be excluded by assumptions or considerations but only by empirical testing before market authorisation.
One of the prerequisites is sufficient data on the expression of the newly expressed proteins. But in the case of Bt toxins, standardised protocols to measure the content of Bt toxins in a way that the results can be reproduced by other laboratories are missing (Székács et al.,
2011). Further, it is not clear how these plants and the expression rateof the newly introduced proteins will be influenced by more extreme weather conditions such as drought. Several investigations show that genetically engineered plants can exhibit unexpected reactions under
stress conditions. This can also impact the Bt content in the plants (Then & Lorch, 2008).
Some plant enzymes that diminish the digestion of proteins (protease inhibitors) can strongly enhance the toxicity of Bt toxins (Pardo Lopez et al., 2009). Even the presence of very low levels of protease inhibitors can multiply the insecticidal activity of some Cry toxins. It
is known that maize produces such inhibitors (Shulmina et al., 1985).
Synergistic effects can become highly problematic for non-target organisms: Interactivity between the toxins or in combination with environmental toxins, bacteria, plant enzymes or pesticides can cause unexpected higher toxicity and lower selectivity (Then, 2010a). These
effects can impact human health as well as ecosystems. Indeed EFSA (2009a) admits that there are open questions concerning combinatorial effects and, for example, the risks for honeybees, but does not require further investigations. Instead, EFSA simply assumes a low likelihood ofnegative impacts: “While the EFSA GMO Panel agrees that in field settings honeybees might face additional stresses that could theoretically affect their susceptibility to Cry proteins or generate indirect effects, it concludes that the likelihood of adverse effects on
honeybees is expected to be very low.”
A 90 day feeding study with rats showed significant differences compared
to the control group in some blood parameters. Their relevance for
potential impact on human health is an issue of controversial debate
(Spiroux et al., 2009). After it had been fed to pigs, some parts of the
gene constructs were detected in animal tissue (Mazza et al., 2005),
these findings were neglected by EFSA for several years (EFSA, 2007). A
25 five month feeding study with cows was performed (Steinke et al.,
2009), but the scientific quality of the publication is very doubtful
(Then&Potthof, 2009). An interesting study including piglets was
performed by Walsh et al. (2012). This study included several relevant
parameters such as changes in the microbiological community in the gut
and the persistence of the Bt protein during digestion. Some impact on
the immune system of the animals was detected. One problem of this study
is that the content of Bt proteins in the feed and its biological
activity was not determined in detail.
Impact on the European market:
About 100.000 hectares of Bt
maize are grown in Spain. Bt maize cultivation is prohibited in many
other countries within the EU. Contamination and the prevention of
contamination in seeds, food and feed engender significant costs in the
market.
Specific risks and unitended effects:
Genetic engineering unintentionally changed the structure of the promotor from the cauliflower mosaic virus.
The method used to insert the gene sequence causes interruption of a plant´s gene.
The additionally inserted genes produce unintended products from
‘fusion genes’ from the plant’s neighbouring DNA sequences. They show no
similarity with any known protein (Rosati et al., 2008).
The expression rate of the Bt toxins was measured not only by
Monsanto, but also by two independent teams (Ngyuen & Jehle, 2007;
Lorch & Then, 2007). The results showed a much greater range of
variation than presented in the Monsanto data. This may indicate genetic
instability and result in unexpected reactions to specific
environmental conditions. Several investigations show that genetically
engineered plants can exhibit unexpected reactions under stress
conditions (see for example: Matthews et al., 2005). This can also
impact the Bt content in the plants (Then& Lorch, 2008).
Investigation of the gene activity and metabolic profiling shows
some unintended changes in the plant gene and cell regulation (Zolla et
al., 2008).
A 90-day feeding study with rats showed significant differences compared to the control group in some blood parameters.
After it had been fed to pigs, some parts of the gene constructs were detected in animal tissue (Mazza et al., 2005).
There are several studies showing immune reactions in animals in
reaction to feeding Bt plants. Examples include fish (Sagstad et al.,
2007), pigs (Walsh et al., 2011), mice (Finamore et al., 2008), and rats
(Kroghsbo et al. 2008).
There are several proteins in maize that can cause allergic
reactions. The newly introduced gene construct might for example enhance
an immune response to these endogenous plant protein(s).
The plants will be fed and might be eaten by mixing them with other
genetically engineered plants. Tests have to be performed on potential
accumulated effects such as combinatorial or accumulated effects.
Synergistic effects can become highly problematic for non target
organisms: Interaction of the toxins with each other or with other
compounds can cause higher toxicity and lower selectivity (Then, 2010a).
These effects may impact human and animal health as well as the
protection of the ecosystems.
Some plant enzymes that diminish the digestion of proteins (protease
inhibitors) can strongly enhance the toxicity of Bt toxins (Pardo Lopez
et al., 2009). Even the presence of very low levels of protease
inhibitors can multiply the insecticidal activity of some Cry toxins. It
is known that maize produces such inhibitors (Shulmina et al., 1985).
As Pardo Lopez et al. (2009) and Pigott et al. (2008) show,
synthetically derived and modified Bt toxins can show much higher
toxicity than native proteins. Even small changes in the structure of
the proteins can cause huge changes in its toxicity. All the Bt toxins
produced in the plants are technically modified.
Risks for non-target European butterflies need to be examined
comprehensively because larvae from several of these species are known
to be highly sensitive to Bt toxins.
Negative impact were also identified in non-target organisms that do
not belong to the group of Lepidoptera, thus strict selectivity to this
group cannot be expected.
Bt toxin can accumulate in the food web, reaching higher content than in the genetically engineered plants.
Bt toxin Cry1Ab is exudated by the roots and can persist in the soil
for several months after cultivation. The cultivation of Bt crops can
impact the abundance of important soil organisms at least under
particular environmental conditions (Cheeke et al., 2011).
Strict selectivity of the Bt toxins is not shown by empirical
evidence but deduced from its mode of action as described previously.
More recent research (Soberon et al., 2009) shows that there are
mechanisms that might cause toxicity in other species and even in
mammals. Mesnage et al. (2012) show that Cry1Ab toxins used in
genetically engineered plants can impact human cells.
Hilbeck et al. (2012) show that expectations in strict selectivity
in Cry1Ab are failing in regard to non-target organisms.Therefore,
detailed empirical investigations of the organisms in the receiving
environments must be conducted and include several tiers of the wood
web.
Large-scale cultivation of plants producing Bt toxins can cause
resistance in pest insects and the rise of new plant pests due to a
shift in insect populations.
Large-scale cultivation will bring many wildlife species into
contact with these plants. Therefore, the impact on rodents, birds and
other animal species should be assessed carefully.