New Study Reveals Major Health Problems Linked to Genetically Engineered Foods

Quote of the week:

"We demand the systematic publication of the results of these tests, which we could only obtain on a case by case basis by taking legal action... It [the study] brings to light a significant underestimation of the initial signs of diseases like cancer and diseases of the hormonal, immune, nervous and reproductive systems, among others... The health crises may be more important than the international financial crisis because of the lack of transparency of the regulators."

Source: An alarming study published in the Journal of Biological Science this week points toward serious health hazards from genetically engineered foods and pesticides. The research, conducted by scientists from France, Italy, New Zealand, U.K. and U.S., corroborates the decade-long criticism by public interest organizations such as the Organic Consumers Association, Greenpeace, and Friends of the Earth that European Food Safety bureaucrats and the U.S. FDA have used unreliable tests to assess the safety of food and products containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs). GMOs are now found in more than 80% of (non-organic) foods sold in conventional grocery stores in the U.S., as well as the majority of animal feed in the EU.

For study details and to learn more, go to:

http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_18515.cfm

LNH

Keep Methyl Iodide Out of California

From Pesticide Action Network:

California should be leading the way in safe and sustainable agriculture -- not losing ground.

For the first time in many years, California's Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) is considering adding a new fumigant to its list of pesticides approved for agricultural use.  Methyl iodide has been approved nationally, rejected by New York, and is now up for review in California.

Methyl iodide is a known carcinogen so dangerous that over 50 scientists -- 5 of them Nobel Laureates -- sent a letter to the EPA expressing astonishment that the US is "working to legalize broadcast releases of one of the more toxic chemicals used in manufacturing into the environment."

As the largest market for this new chemical, California's choice will send a clear signal to methyl iodide's manufacturer, and the EPA has indicated that California's decision will have an impact on national use. Now is the time to stop methyl iodide in its tracks.

Sign the petition today! Join thousands of people asking state officials to hold the line in California by refusing to register methyl iodide in our state. 

http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/642/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=27632
Your name will be added to the following petition letter. Thank you!

LNH

New Bill HR2749 Gives FDA Unheard-of Power over Small Farmers, Food and Supplement Producers

The Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 (FSEA) is a poorly written bill, now before the US House of Representatives. Known as the Waxman-Dingell bill, it really isn't much about food safety at all.  Previous food safety issues in the news were centered around large agri-corporations, but this bill places its harshest burdens on small food and supplement producers. New language is introduced along with criminal and civil penalties, including up to 10 years of jail time and fines up to $100,000 for individuals and $7.5 million for corporations, regardless of size.

The Food Safety Enhancement Act (FSEA):

• gives the US FDA unprecedented scope, authority and power over small farmers, food producers and supplement producers, including the power to use vague language to intimidate and threaten

• imposes unjustifiably harsh criminal and civil penalties, even for administrative violations

• places undue economic hardship on small and mid-sized farms and food facilities, organic and conventional, which could easily drive many of them out of business, and lead to monopoly of food by large corporations. (Monsanto, etc., and their GMO seeds.)

For more, go to:

http://aahf.nonprofitsoapbox.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=825&Itemid=

PLEASE DO NOT SUPPORT THIS BILL!

If the FSEA passes, only big businesses and large corporate farms will matter. HR249 doesn't make any allowances for small to mid-sized farms or facilities, which could mean economic ruin, closure or dependence on large corporations or foreign food supply sources.  If you own a roadside stand on your property, you would have to follow federally established standards for growing your produce -- or your food will be considered adulterated.  You could not say anything about the scientific basis for organic produce being healthier than conventionally farmed produce.

You would be required to make your business records available to the FDA, who have the power to show up unannounced without a warrant to search your records, without any evidence that you have committed a violation of the law.  If you refuse inspection, you would be guilty of adulteration.

What is happening to the high quality standards our country became known for globally and the freedoms we continue to fight and stand for as a nation of courageous people?

If you're a farmer who sells direct to consumers, you would be forced to give the FDA customer information, meaning NO MORE CUSTOMER PRIVACY.  Should you refuse, you'd face up to 10 years imprisonment and the civil fines could be up to $100,000 if you're an individual or $7.5 million if you incorporated your family farm as a business.

Please take action immediately. Click here to be taken to our Action Alert and contact your Representative now:

https://secure3.convio.net/aahf/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=392

OC