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Austrian Government Study Confirms Genetically Modified (GM) Crops

>

>

> Threaten Human Fertility and Health Safety

> Advocates Call for Immediate Ban of All GM Foods and GM Crops

>

> IMMEDIATE RELEASE (November 13, 2008)

>

> (Los Angeles, CA.) - A long-term feeding study commissioned by the

> Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, managed by the Austrian

> Federal Ministry of Health, Family and Youth, and carried out by

> Veterinary University Vienna, confirms genetically modified (GM)

> corn seriously affects reproductive health in mice. Non-GMO

> advocates, who have warned about this infertility link along with

> other health risks, now seek an immediate ban of all GM foods and

GM

> crops to protect the health of humankind and the fertility of women

> around the world.

>

> Feeding mice with genetically modified corn developed by the US-

> based Monsanto Corporation led to lower fertility and body weight,

> according to the study conducted by the University of Veterinary

> Medicine in Vienna. Lead author of the study Professor Zentek said,

> t here was a direct link between the decrease in fertility and the

> GM diet, and that mice fed with non-GE corn reproduced more

> efficiently.

>

> In the study, Austrian scientists performed several long-term

> feeding trials over 20 weeks with laboratory mice fed a diet

> containing 33% of a GM variety (NK 603 x MON 810), or a closely

> related non-GE variety used in many countries. Statistically

> significant litter size and pup weight decreases were found in the

> third and fourth litters in the GM-fed mice, compared to the

control

> group.

>

> The corn is genetically modified with genes that produce a

> pesticidal toxin, as well as genes that allow it to survive

> applications of Monsanto's herbicide Roundup.

>

> A book by author M. , Genetic Roulette, distributed to

> members of congress last year, documents 65 serious health risks of

> GM products, including similar fertility problems with GM soy and

GM

> corn: Offspring of rats fed GM soy showed a five-fold increase in

> mortality, lower birth weights, and the inability to reproduce.

Male

> mice fed GM soy had damaged young sperm cells. The embryo offspring

> of GM soy-fed mice had altered DNA functioning. Several US farmers

> reported sterility or fertility problems among pigs and cows fed on

> GM corn varieties. Additionally, over the last two months,

> investigators in India have documented fertility problems,

> abortions, premature births, and other serious health issues,

> including deaths, among buffaloes fed GM cottonseed products.

>

> The principle GM crops are soy, corn, cottonseed and canola. GM

> sugar from sugar beets will also be introduced before year's end.

>

> Mr. , who is also the Executive Director of the Institute for

> Responsible Technology says, " GM foods are likely responsible for

> several negative health trends in the US. The government must

impose

> an immediate ban on these dangerous crops. " He says, " Consumers

> don't need to wait for governmental action. They can download a

free

> Non-GMO Shopping Guide at www.HealthierEating.org. "

>

> Monsanto press offices in the UK and USA were unable to provide a

> comment on the findings for journalists yesterday.

>

> The Institute for Responsible Technology's Campaign for Healthier

> Eating in America mobilizes citizens, organizations, businesses,

and

> the media, to achieve the tipping point of consumer rejection of

> genetically modified foods.

>

> The Institute educates people about the documented health risks of

> GMOs and provides them with healthier non-GMO product choices.

>

> The Institute also informs policy makers and the public around the

> world about the impacts of GMOs on health, environment, the

economy,

> and agriculture, and the problems associated with current research,

> regulation, corporate practices, and reporting.

>

> ###

>

> Institute For Responsible Technology

> Media Contact: NJ Jaeger

> Expert Contact: M.

> Email: njmail@...

> Phone: +1-310-377-0915

>

> Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety

> Corporate Communication: Univ.-Doz. Ingrid Kiefer

> Tel: +43 50 555-25000; E-Mail: ingrid.kiefer@...