Unlabelled Genetically Modified DNA Found in Brazilian Food
Many countries other than the US are well aware of the potential dangers of GMF and many of these countries have laws requiring disclosure of foods containing them. Here in the US, many are not even aware that something called GMF exists, let alone that there may be health concerns with them. The issue is that, as we splice genes a potential for brand new proteins that the human body has never had exposure to before arises. The stage for severe or chronic allergic reactions may then be set.
The Brazilian Institute of Consumer Defence (ICD) this week called for an official investigation to be launched after tests of over 30 food products showed genetically modified DNA in 11 of them. Several companies have been ordered by the Centre for Sanitary Vigilance of the State of Sao Paulo to withdraw their brands from supermarket shelves. The ICD, in partnership with Greenpeace and the Swiss laboratory Interlabor Belp AG, found transgenic soya or corn in the food products in quantities of up to 10% of the contents. The ICD has advised consumers not to buy products from Argentina, Canada or the USA that are likely to contain soya or corn. In all products the transgenic DNA was from Roundup Ready, produced by the biotechnology company Monsanto. The transgenic ingredient was not indicated on the labels of any of the products, contravening state and federal law.