Genetically Modified Food

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2. Current Food Problem.

Stop Genetically Modified Food Production

GENETICALLY ENGINEERED FOOD-A SERIOUS HEALTH RISK

By:John B. Fagan, Ph.D.

Genetically engineered foods containing genes derived from bacteria and viruses are now starting to appear in the shops, and foods with insect, fish, and animal genes will soon follow. These genetic changes are radically different from those resulting from traditional methods of breeding. Yet, the sale of these foods is being permitted without proper assessment of the risks and without adequately informing the public, even though many scientists say that genetically modified foods could cause serious damage to health and the environment.

WHAT IS GENETIC ENGINEERING? Genes are the blueprints for every part of an organism. Genetic engineering is the process of articficially modifying these blueprints. By cutting and splicing DNA-genetic surgury-genetic engineers can transfer genes specific to one type of organism into any other organism on earth.

WHY DO IT? Scientists want to transfer desirable qualities from one organism to another, for example, to make a crop resistant to an herbicide or to enhance food value.

IS IT NECESSARY? At first sight it may seem appealing. However, closer examination reveals that commercial and political motives are taking precedence with little regard to the possible dangers. We already have the ability to feed the world's population without the risks posed by genetic engineering. Why subject humanity to these unnecessary risks?

WHAT ARE THE DANGERS? (Please see more detailed discussion below.)

Those identified so far include:

WHAT IS THE SITUATION NOW?

Genetically modified foods available, or about to appear, in U.S. markets include tomatoes, squash, yeast, corn, potatoes, and soybeans (which are used in 60% of all processed foods, such as bread, pasta, candies, ice cream, pies, biscuits, margarine, meat products and vegetarian meat substitutes). Genetically modified organisms are also used to produce cheeses and canola oil. But this is just the beginning. In a few years it may be almost impossible to find natural food.

The food industry and government appear to be complacent. They assume that these new foods are not substantially different from existing foods and pose no special risks. But this assumption is wrong and dangerous. The radical changes being made by biotechnologists could never happen in nature, and have already caused toxic side-effects. Current regulations require only minimal safety testing for some foods, and none at all for others. In no case do regulations require evaluation of long term impacts on health.

Most genetically modified foods will not be labelled. Under present regulations manufacturers are already introducing genetically modified ingredients into many processed foods without informing consumers. The government is ignoring the wishes of the public. Surveys consistently find that 85-90% of consumers want clear labelling of all genetically engineered foods.

DESPITE INTENDED BENEFITS, MANY TECHNOLOGIES PRODUCE DISASTROUS SIDE-EFFECTS.

Increasingly, society is recognizing side-effects such as nuclear pollution, global warming, and the toxic effects of pesticides and herbicides. Medicines are often withdrawn because the side-effects turn out to be too poisonous. In every case, it has taken time for hazards to come to light and for action to be taken.

Genetic engineering poses the greatest danger of any technology yet introduced. Because many of the damageing effects of genetic engineering are irreversible, we must prevent problems before they occur. The precautionary approach is essential if we are to protect ourselves, our children, and all generations to come. We must take action now, if we want to prevent an avalanche of genetically engineered foods from inundating the market and placing virtually everyone at risk.

WE MUST ACT BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE!

Genetically engineered foods are being introduced without due regard for health, yet many damaging effects will be irreversible.

What is needed

TO PROTECT OUR HEALTH:

TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT:

What you can do

DANGERS OF GENETICALLY ENGINEERED FOODS

The scientific facts demonstrating the need for an immediate worldwide ban.

Because living organisms are highly complex, genetic engineers cannot possibly predict all of the effects of introducing new genes into them. This is the case for even the simplest bacterium, not to mention more complex plants and animals. THIS IS BECAUSE:

THE FOLLOWING ARE SOME OF THE FACTS:

GLOBAL THREAT TO HUMANITY'S FOOD SUPPLY

Giant transnational companies are carrying out a dangerous global experiment by attempting to introduce large numbers of genetically engineered foods widely into our food supply. Because genetic manipulations can generate unanticipated harmful side-effects, and because genetically engineered foods are not tested sufficiently to eliminate those that are dangerous, this experiment, not only jeopardizes the health of individuals, but could also lead to national or even global food shortages and large-scale health threats.

There is no logical scientific justification for exposing society to this risk, nor is it necessary to take this risk for the purpose of feeding humanity. It is only of benefit to the biotech industry, which will obtain short term commercial gains at the expense of the health and safety of the whole population. Tampering with the genetic code of food is reckless and poses a serious threat to life. It could easily upset the delicate balance between our physiology and the foods that we eat. There is already ample scientific justification for an immediate ban on genetically modified foods in order to safeguard our health.

Related Links


CONSUMER RIGHT TO KNOW

One Million Signature Campaign Petition to Secure the Mandatory Labeling of all Genetically Engineered Foods Submitted to the President of the United States, US Congress, USDA and US FDA.

Sign the petition:
http://www.safe-food.org/-campaign/petition.html

Sponsoring Organization: Mothers for Natural Law
http://www.safe-food.org/-campaign/about.html


CAMPAIGN TO BAN GENETICALLY ENGINEERED FOOD

For further information or to offer your support for this campaign, please contact jfagan@mum.edu.

Also, for further information and solutions read:

GENETIC ENGINEERING: THE HAZARDS, VEDIC ENGINEERING: THE SOLUTIONS by John Fagan Ph.D. - an award-winning geneticist who returned his government grants and began new research in Maharishi's Vedic Science. To order, phone 800-831-6523.

John B. Fagan, Ph.D.
Professor of Molecular Biology
Maharishi University of Management
(Maharishi International University 1971 to 1995)
1000 North Fourth Street
Fairfield, Iowa, 52557-1078
Phone(515) 472-8342
Fax (515) 472-5725
email jfagan@mum.edu


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