Rats Fed GMO Corn Develop Tumors

LONDONAs reported by Reuters, the results of a new study showed that rats fed genetically modified (GM) corn developed tumors and organ damage, with a high rate of premature death (see Study on Monsanto GM Corn Concerns Draws Skepticism). The results of this study were published in the Journal of Food and Chemical Toxicology (Long Term Toxicity of a Roundup Herbicide and a Roundup-Tolerant Genetically Modified Maize).

Researchers from University of Caen fed the rats Monsantos Roundup Ready corn (NK603). As a result, the rats developed mammary tumors and had severe liver and kidney damage. A higher rate of premature death also resulted, with 70% of female rats fed the GM diet and 50% of the males dying prematurely (compared to 30% and 20%, respectively, in the control group).

The initial release of these findings drew sharp criticism from the biotechnology sector, as the study;s findings are contrary to safety evaluations performed by biotechnology companies, including Monsanto. Numerous peer-reviewed scientific studies performed on biotech crops to date, including more than a hundred feeding studies, have continuously confirmed their safety, as reflected in the respective safety assessments by regulatory authorities around the world, said Thomas Helscher, executive director, commercial acceptance, Monsanto, in the Reuters article.

However, the primary author of the study, Gilles-Eric Seralini, has responded to this criticism and is defending his methods. Responding to told Reuters Television (see Author Defends Monsanto GM Study As EU Orders Review), he said: This study has been evaluated by the worlds best food toxicology magazine Im waiting for criticism from scientists who have already published material in journals ... on the effects of GMOs and pesticides on health, in order to debate fairly with peers who are real scientists, and not lobbyists.

Also, the European Food Safety Authority is conducting its own review of the studys findings, as ordered by the European Commission.

For more information on the current GMO debate, including Californias Proposition 37, see: