Dear Editor:
Kristie Scheulen's letter on March 8 dismisses my concerns regarding Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) in our food supply. She categorically denies that any studies have shown physical problems associated with human consumption of GMO food. This is simply untrue.
As I noted, the American Academy of Environmental Medicine has warned, "Several animal studies indicate serious health risks associated with GMO food, including infertility, allergic reactions, immune problems, accelerated aging, faulty insulin regulation, and changes in major organs and the gastrointestinal system."
As recently as April 27, 2011, an article from the International Journal of Biological Sciences states, "A new paper demonstrates that consuming genetically modified (GM) food leads to significant organ disruptions in rats and mice. Researchers reviewed data from 19 studies and found that parameters including blood and urine biochemistry and organ weights were significantly disrupted in the GM-fed animals. The kidneys of males were the most affected, experiencing 43.5 percent of all the changes. The livers of females followed at more than 30 percent. Other organs may have been affected too, including the heart and spleen, and blood cells." In fact, Monsanto's own study of rats fed Bt crops showed liver and kidney damage.
Scheulen states that Bt (GMO) corn has been "tweaked" to produce its' own insecticide, which helps protect it from pests. This is true of all of the GMO crops currently in production. What isn't mentioned is the fact that all cells in each plant have this insecticide, including the food that comes from it. This food is then processed and fed to us.
Apparently, Scheulen has no problem eating insecticide with every mouthful of food but I do. I also think it's not a real stretch to see that regular consumption of insecticide may lead to physical problems and abnormalities.
What I and millions of other Americans want is mandatory labeling of all the food that contains GMO's. We think we deserve the right to make a choice of whether or not to consume these products and this isn't happening. The food producers are fighting mandatory labeling every step of the way. If they truly believe their GMO products are superior, why are they fighting so desperately not to label them? I think the answer is fairly clear.
We want mandatory labeling on all GMO food and we'll keep pushing until it happens!
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