Genetically Modified Food
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FDA issues rules for GMO animals- "Pork that have been engineered with mouse ...
FDA won't require label for genetically altered meats
The debate over whether to label genetically modified foods shifted a step away from disclosure today as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a draft guidance saying the agency will not require a label on food made from genetically engineered animals.
The draft will be open for public comment until Nov. 18.
The FDA will study all genetically modified foods for safety issues before approving them for market consumption, the draft said. There are no genetically engineered animal products on the market, the FDA's Web site said, although some products are undergoing a safety review.
"It is likely that for the first [genetically engineered] animal approval(s), we will convene a public advisory committee meeting prior to the completion of the approval," the FDA's Web site said.
The FDA will regulate any recombinant DNA modification under the animal as a "new animal drug" under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, even though some of the some of the genetic modifications might involve splicing the DNA of one animal into a completely different species. Examples include the insertion of the spider-silk protein gene into goats for the production of a filament-rich milk and the introduction of a mouse gene into pigs to alter the composition of pig manure.
The classification would allow manufacturers to avoid having to use a separate label for any products coming from genetically engineered animals. The FDA says the foods would undergo strict testing and that any approved foods would be safe for human consumption.
But that's missing the point, said Michael Hansen, senior scientist at Consumers Union. Many label requirements have little to do with food safety.
"We require labeling of juices whether they come from concentrate or if they're fresh-squeezed or whether milk is homogenized or not, so along those lines, we think that all genetically engineered animals present in the food chain should labeled as such," Hansen said.
Other problems could arise if genetically modified animals get into the wild population, Hansen said.
It's called the Trojan Gene Hypothesis, Hansen said — the idea that the offspring of genetically engineered animals are weak. For example, some salmon are engineered to grow to larger sizes. Salmon choose their mates based partially on the size of the male, so the genetically altered fish would be preferable. However, genetically engineered fish have fewer offspring that have a lower survival rate, so the salmon population could decrease dramatically after only a few generations of breeding, Hansen said.
Bush Aid Package Includes GM FDA won't require label for genetically altered meats ... more -
Genetically Engineered Food doesn't need Labels, says FDA
New rules proposed by federal regulators don't require consumer labeling of many genetically altered animals that are expected to soon reach grocery story shelves as meat, poultry, or seafood.
The proposed regulations govern a wide range of genetically altered animals, including some already under development and some that are expected to come to market in the next few years.
Biotech companies and livestock producers are keenly interested in DNA engineering as a way to breed larger or healthier animals for food, and also as a potential source of pharmaceuticals produced in milk or animal's blood.
FDA officials say they will require public hearings before companies can sell genetically modified animals as food to the public. They say the process would bring transparency to a form of food production that could make some consumers uneasy.
"We'll need to do a full evaluation of food and feed safety," says Randall Lutter, PhD, FDA's deputy commissioner for policy.
But the agency also says producers would not be required to label most genetically engineered meat, poultry, or seafood. The rules treat altered DNA inserted into livestock as drugs. Companies are not required to alert consumers when antibiotics, hormones, or other drugs are used in raising the animals.
"There is no special labeling requirement simply because the animal itself was engineered," Lutter says.
One exception is if genetic engineering alters the makeup of food. For example, companies are developing DNA that causes pigs to produce more omega-3 fatty acids in their muscles. Officials say the proposed rules would require a label indicating the product as high in the fatty acids, but not that it is genetically modified.
"The labeling will be based on the changes in the composition of the product," Lutter told reporters during a conference call.
The decision does not affect cloned animals or their offspring, which earlier this year were declared safe as a food source by the FDA.
Michael Hansen, PhD, senior scientist at Consumers Union, praised the requirement of public hearings before genetically altered animals are sold as food.
"It is positive that unlike with [genetically engineered] plants, they are going to require a safety assessment," he tells WebMD.
But Hansen criticizes the agency for taking what he says was a lax approach toward consumer labeling of such products.
"It's outrageous that they would not require these things to be labeled. Come on, they require orange juice to be labeled if it's from a concentrate vs. fresh-squeezed. Milk is labeled homogenized vs. not. That's enough to label, but an engineered animal isn't?" he says.
The Biotechnology Industry Organization, an industry group, says it supports the proposed rule.
"Animals that are genetically engineered can have improved food production capabilities, enabling them to help meet the global demand for more efficient, more nutritious, higher quality and lower-cost sources of food," says Barbara Glenn, PhD, the group's managing director for animal biotechnology.
Dozens of genetically altered animals are under development. For example, researchers at the University of Illinois are experimenting with cow DNA that increases hormone production in the milk of pig sows. The hormone can cause piglets to grow faster and reach a higher body weight.
Researchers are also developing genes for pigs so their waste contains less phosphorus, an environmental pollutant. Genes from spiders can even get goats to produce spider silk in their milk for use in bullet-proof vests. New rules proposed by federal regulators don't require consumer labeling of many genetically altered animals that are expected to... more -
The World According to Monsanto Part 1
Came across this documentary on Monsanto on Youtube. don't know how long it will stay up though. It's the first 30 minutes of the documentary.
http://www.arteboutique.com/detailProduct.action?produc...
"Present in forty-six countries, Monsanto has become the world leader in GM crops, as well as becoming one of the most controversial companies in industrial history. Since its foundation in 1901, the firm has faced trial after trial because of the toxicity of its products. Today it has reinvented itself as a "life sciences" company which has been converted to the virtues of sustainable development.
Using hitherto unpublished documents and the testimonies of victims, scientists and politicians, The World according to Monsanto pieces together the origins of an
industrial empire, built upon lies, collusion with the American government, pressure and attempted corruption, which has become the world's leading seed manufacturer, spreading GM crops worldwide - amid a lack of any proper controls with respect to their effects on nature and human health." Came across this documentary on Monsanto on Youtube. don't know how long it will stay up though. It's the first 30 minutes o... more -
Genetically modified foods. Are they safe?
Just in case you thought it was fine to eat Genetically Modified foods (better identified as “FrankenFoods”), along comes a study which makes it clear that you are eating this make believe non-food at your own peril and, worse yet, you are feeding it to your kids at their peril as well. It is important to note that Codex Alimentarius, which sets standards for the international trade of food, permits genetically modified foods and makes no effort to limit, control or eliminate them. In fact, the US has been trying for years to prevent the labeling of GM foods and seed in international trade to emulate its domestic policy which prohibits any label indication that foods contain GM ingredients, as 75-80% of all foods sold in the US do.
Now it appears that the increasingly prevalent nightmare of a disease called “Morgellon’s Disease” may be a result of GM crops and food. Just in case you thought it was fine to eat Genetically Modified foods (better identified as “FrankenFoods”), along comes a study whic... more -
Low-Calorie Wheat to Tackle Obesity
Researchers at the National Institute for Agricultural Botany in Cambridge explain that the new wheat is digested slower so that it makes people feel fuller and not eat as much. The scientists engineered the crop to produce a form of starch called resistance starch, which takes longer for the human stomach to break down. Compared with normal starch, resistance starch has a lower glycemic index, meaning it releases its sugars more slowly, which is better for people's glucose levels. Even after it is milled, processed, and cooked, the wheat retains this digestion resistance.
The scientists hope that the new wheat could become an ingredient in flour products such as bread and pasta, which traditionally pack a lot of carbohydrates.
Currently, the wheat is genetically modified, but the researchers are looking for different production methods, since genetically modified products are banned for human consumption in the UK. Researchers at the National Institute for Agricultural Botany in Cambridge explain that the new wheat is digested slower so that it ma... more -
China to urgently boost genetically modified crop development
China has said it must urgently step up the development of genetically modified crops as it faces mounting challenges to feed its 1.3 billion people due to shrinking arable land and climate change.
Newly-approved plans aim to cultivate high-yielding and pest-resistant genetically modified species, the State Council, or cabinet, said in a statement posted on its website late Wednesday.
At a meeting chaired by Premier Wen Jiabao, Chinese leaders said the plans were "of strategic significance" in the country's drive to make its agricultural sector more efficient and competitive internationally, the statement said.
"Departments must fully understand the importance and urgency of this significant project, further improve the programme and waste no time to carry it out," it said.
It gave no details on which crops should be developed, but analysts said the plans were likely to focus on developing genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, including corn and rice.
China has become a major producer of genetically modified cotton and vegetables such as peppers and tomatoes, but it has yet to begin large-scale production of genetically modified rice, corn and soybeans. China has said it must urgently step up the development of genetically modified crops as it faces mounting challenges to feed its 1.3 ... more -
Genetically engineered sugar to hit U.S. in 2008
Background Information: American Crystal, a large Wyoming-based sugar company and several other leading U.S. sugar providers have announced they will be sourcing their sugar from genetically engineered (GE) sugar beets beginning this year and arriving in stores in 2008. Like GE corn and GE soy, products containing GE sugar will not be labeled as such.
Since half of the granulated sugar in the U.S. comes from sugar beets, a move towards biotech beets marks a dramatic alteration of the U.S. food supply. These sugars, along with GE corn and soy, are found in many conventional food products, so consumers will be exposed to genetically engineered ingredients in just about every non-organic multiple-ingredient product they purchase.
The GE sugar beet is designed to withstand strong doses of Monsanto's controversial broad spectrum Roundup herbicide. Studies indicate farmers planting "Roundup Ready" corn and soy spray large amounts of the herbicide, contaminating both soil and water. Farmers planting GE sugar beets are told they may be able to apply the herbicide up to five times per year. Sugar beets are grown on 1.4 million acres by 12,000 farmers in the U.S. from Oregon to Minnesota.
Meanwhile candy companies like Hershey's are urging farmers not to plant GE sugar beets, noting that consumer surveys suggest resistance to the product. In addition the European Union has not approved GE sugar beets for human consumption.
Click on link for full article from the Organic Consumers Organisation Background Information: American Crystal, a large Wyoming-based sugar company and several other leading U.S. sugar providers have anno... more -
Monsanto - and evil in the world
"Monsanto already dominates America’s food chain with its genetically modified seeds. Now it has targeted milk production. Just as frightening as the corporation’s tactics–ruthless legal battles against small farmers–is its decades-long history of toxic contamination."
Read on... http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2008/05/mon...
We need to end this sort of monopolistic corruption of human existence, and we need to support the small farmers. And although, if you prefer organic foods to this abomination of God's creations for profit, our FBI considers you a possible "terrorist" - it's clear to see they are in bed with Monsanto, grow your own food and put these guys out of business.
There is no reason whatsoever to do this to our food. My God did not get it wrong. "Monsanto already dominates America’s food chain with its genetically modified seeds. Now it has targeted milk production. Just a... more -
Now You Have Reasons to Eat Organic
It can be scary when you think about what's in our grocery stores: genetically modified foods, foods that contain synthetic hormones, pesticides and antibiotics, as well as foods exposed to irradiation (a form of radiation used to kill bacteria). It can be scary when you think about what's in our grocery stores: genetically modified foods, foods that contain synthetic hormo... more
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GM fields to be in secret UK locations
The Guardian reports that genetically modified crops may be grown in hidden locations in Britain amid fears that anti-GM campaigners are winning the battle over the controversial technology. Officials at Defra confirmed they are looking at a range of options to clamp down on vandalism to GM crop trials, after intense lobbying by big crop biotech companies. The firms have warned that trials of GM crops are becoming too expensive to conduct in Britain because of the additional costs of protecting fields from activists. The Guardian reports that genetically modified crops may be grown in hidden locations in Britain amid fears that anti-GM campaigners a... more
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Calcium Carrots!
Not getting enough calcium in your diet? Try a supercharged calcium carrot.
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Both Sides Cite Science to Address Altered Corn
BRUSSELS-- A proposal that Europe's top environment official made last month, to ban the planting of a genetically modified corn strain, sets up a bitter war within the European Union, where politicians have done their best to dance around the issue. BRUSSELS-- A proposal that Europe's top environment official made last month, to ban the planting of a genetically modified corn... more
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Genetically Modified Food
