Genetically-modified salmon found to be contaminated with infectious salmon anemia

by Ethan A. Huff, staff writer

(NaturalNews) As the US federal government continues to evaluate whether or not to approve AquaBounty's genetically-modified (GM) "AquAdvantage" salmon, Canada's Cohen Commission (CC), a group established by the nation's government to track the decline of Sockeye salmon in the Fraser River, has announced some shocking information. According to a recent report, AquAdvantage being raised at a land-based, isolated site on Prince Edward Island have been found to be contaminated with Infectious Salmon Anemia (ISA), a serious viral disease that affects Atlantic salmon.

Catherine Stewart from the Living Oceans Society and Coastal Alliance for Aquaculture Reform recently gave an interview in which she explained the mysterious ISA discovery in the "Frankenfish." According to the CC report, Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) reported to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) back in 2009 that there had been an outbreak of ISA at the Prince Edward Island facility raising AquAdvantage salmon.

"I think we have to ask the question, 'How did this get into this facility?' This is a land-based, closed-tank system that's raising these genetically-engineered fish," said Stewart. "It could only have come through the eggs or the smolts, or through water that the facility pumps from the bay into their facility."

AquaBounty is the same company, of course, that has been trying to ramrod US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its highly-allergenic AquAdvantage Frankenfish without so much as a shred of independent, legitimate scientific evidence proving that the imitation fish is safe for humans and the environment, or that it will not reproduce and destroy stocks of wild salmon all over the world (http://www.naturalnews.com/GM_salmo...).

Meanwhile, this Prince Edward Island scandal clearly illustrates that AquaBounty is incapable of even protecting its own protected stocks of fish from disease, let alone protect the world's oceans from contamination. If the company cannot even maintain its own disease-free, protected environment, how can it be trusted not to release GM fish and their traits into the wild?

"Was AquaBounty getting [its] eggs from Norway, Scotland, and were these ISA-infected eggs? We don't know," added Stewart. "And if [AquaBounty] had that disease in its facility, what's happening to the water they are dumping into the bay? What percentage of the water they use in this facility is recirculated, and what percentage goes out as effluent into the receiving waters, and does that effluent water contain the ISA virus? Are they treating the effluent? Again, we don't know."

Be sure to watch the entire interview with Stewart at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVh4...

Suzanne

Monsanto spends whopping $2 million in third quarter 2011 lobbying federal government

by Jonathan Benson, staff writer

(NaturalNews) If you have ever wondered how the biotechnology industry has been able to develop the cozy and unquestioning relationship with the federal government that it has today, you need not look much further than Big Biotech's lobbying expenditures. According to a recent Bloomberg Businessweek report, biotech giant Monsanto spent a whopping $2 million just in the third quarter of 2011 lobbying the federal government to support its agenda.

One of its loftiest lobbying seasons on record, Monsanto's Q3 payoffs to our so-called public servants in Washington has kept the wheels greased, so to speak, for expanding its monopoly on patented agriculture. This multi-million dollar bribe from the world's most evil company (http://www.naturalnews.com/030967_Monsanto_evil.html) will help ensure that genetically-modified (GM) alfalfa, for instance, avoids running into any more regulatory roadblocks, even though the crop is useless, and will only serve to contaminate the entire food supply (http://www.naturalnews.com/GM_alfalfa.html).

According to a disclosure filed by Monsanto on Oct. 18, the company has been lobbying both Congress and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to weaken regulatory requirements for both GM sugar beets and alfalfa, which have been a primary focus for the company throughout the past year. Monsanto is also spending millions to ensure that its patents on various other GM crops remain in place for years to come.

Back in the first quarter of 2010, Monsanto spent nearly $2.5 million lobbying the federal government to craft patent law changes in its favor, rather than in the public's favor. This hefty sum also conveniently arrived on the doorsteps of lawmakers in Washington not long after the time when the US Department of Justice (DOJ) began an investigation into Monsanto's business practices to determine if the company was in violation of federal antitrust laws. Monsanto actually gave the federal government a record $2.53 million in the fourth quarter of 2009 right after the DOJ first began the investigation (http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9GFL8780.htm).

According to OpenSecrets.org, which tracks corporate lobbying practices, Monsanto has spent more than $5.1 million in 2011 lobbying the federal government. In 2010, Monsanto spent over $8 million, and in 2009, over $8.6 million. Monsanto's largest lobbying year was in 2008, when it spent nearly $9 million bribing the federal government to betray the people (http://www.opensecrets.org/lobby/clientsum.php?id=D000000055).

Sources for this article include:

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9RL51J81.htm

Suzanne

EU Halts Imports of US-based Corn Gluten Feed Due to GMO Contamination

by Jonathan Benson, staff writer

(NaturalNews) The European Union (EU) has rejected roughly one million tons of US-based corn gluten feed, a leftover byproduct of corn processing that is commonly fed to conventional livestock, over concerns that it might be tainted with illegal genetically-modified organisms (GMO). Unlike the US, the EU still has at least some standards when it comes to GMOs, and has typically been much slower to adopt them compared to countries in North and South America.

Reuters Africa reports that corn gluten shipments into the EU have basically stopped as a result of contamination concerns, and that many traders are now trying to figure out a solution. However, the report slants the issue and blames EU restrictions, rather than the US tainted food supply, for the ordeal, and suggests that the EU needs to loosen its standards to keep the supplies going.

The EU has already capitulated to heavy pressure from the biotechnology industry and its advocate countries like the US to fast-track GMO approval. And even though EU labeling requirements for GMOs have largely eliminated them from the food supply -- when given the choice, of course, the vast majority of people will choose non-GMO foods. GMOs still sneak their way into the European food supply via an animal feed loophole.

In fact, the EU Commission recently decided to end its zero tolerance policy for GMOs because, frankly, it is near-impossible to avoid GMO contamination these days, especially when the imported goods are coming from the US. So even though Europeans resoundingly oppose GMOs, they are still exposed to them every time they eat meat from a conventionally-raised animal (http://www.naturalnews.com/031977_GMOs_food_chain.html).

But in the case of the tainted corn gluten feed, the contamination in question comes from a certain type of GM corn, Syngenta's MIR162 Agrisure Viptera variety, which has not yet received EU approval. Only 37 GM crops have been approved for import into the EU, and MIR162 is not one of them, as EU standards for approval are much more stringent than they are in the US.

But rather than loosen its standards as many are demanding, the EU would do better to preserve its own food supply by looking for new corn gluten vendors in nations that have not capitulated to the demands of the biotechnology industry. The only way to end the expanding tyranny of GM food is for countries that oppose them to stop trading with the countries that cultivate them.

Sources for this article include:

http://af.reuters.com/article/commoditiesNews/idAFL6E7NK21P20111221

Suzanne

Health Basics: What Are GMOs?

by S. D. Wells

(NaturalNews) Molecular engineers working in laboratories for Monsanto, the giant American biotech company, are gene-splicing vegetable seedlings with poisonous pesticides and herbicides so the plants are inherently protected from the insects and worms that might damage them. The majority of products Americans eat daily contain some form of GMO soy, corn, canola (rapeseed) oil or cotton seed oil. Research shows that consuming the popular herbicide/pesticide Roundup leads to the mutation of cells in the human body, in turn fueling the development of malignant tumors and other various forms of cancer.

In other words, as the plants grow up from the ground, they already contain genes from toxic concoctions, therefore helping corporations and their "cooperating" farmers maximize profits. Some countries are terrified and outraged, knowing there are not sufficient studies on the long term effects from this bio-engineering "guessing game," and are boycotting American exports of major vegetables, dairy, and meat products for this specific reason, including Germany.

Consider this: What if over half of all the food being sold in grocery stores contained pesticides that you couldn't taste or smell, with no warnings on the labels, and then you got cancer from eating them after ten years? Or, what if a pregnant mother could get her baby vaccinated in the womb with an insecticide, so that no insects would ever bite the child after it was born? Would anyone be crazy enough to do it, especially if it was FDA approved?

More than 85% of all corn, soy and canola oil are GMO

The bad news is in, and it may not be changing for quite awhile. GMO vegetables and all of their by-products are not labeled as GMO in the United States. Currently, 93% of soy, canola and cottonseed oil, 86% of corn, 95% of sugar beets, 13% of squash, and rice is on the cutting board now. As much as 77% of the world's soy is GMO also. Think for a moment about all of the popular products that have some kind of processed soy or corn in them; it would take an entire book to list them all. GM potatoes and tomatoes have been taken off the market.

To appreciate the size of this health and environmental disaster, one should understand the 96% rule. For the first time ever, science has created models that combine the clinical and genetic similarities of rodents, great apes and humans for determining the odds of acquiring cancer.

A comparison of genetic blueprints with that of the human genome shows that our closest living relatives share 96% of our DNA (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3...). Before now, scientists had hypothesized that it was only about 35%. The FDA and CDC quite often denounce research regarding popular cancer causing foods, additives, and artificial sweeteners because tests are only run on rats and mice, but not humans. Now we know we are affected by toxins, just like the other animals.

To pour salt in the wound, GMO pesticides not only kill most of the nutrients in foods, but most GMO plants die after one year and new seeds must be purchased from Monsanto. It's all part of the money making scheme (http://paraschopra.com/publications...).

What's the cure? Eat only organic food from local farmers markets and health-food grocery stores. And if you say it's more expensive, you're wrong. Surgery and chemotherapy for stomach, kidney and colon cancer far exceed the price of non-GMO foods, drinks, candy and gum (and that's with health insurance). Also, let your voice be heard about GMO labeling. (MillionsagainstMonsanto.com)

Sources for this article include:

http://www.ers.usda.gov/Data/Biotec...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3...

http://www.newswithviews.com/Smith/...

http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/...

http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/...

http://paraschopra.com/publications...

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/...

http://www.organicconsumers.org/mon...

http://www.treehugger.com/corporate...

http://www.treehugger.com/corporate...

http://www.ghorganics.com/GM%20food...

http://www.naturalnews.com/033504_G...

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/cott...

Suzanne

I may have to revise my opinion of GMO. While I still don't see a problem with the concept, there is still a problem with the implementation. In the seedsofdeception video, there is a part where two different genes do not cause a problem, but it was brought out the mere process of injecting the genes disrupt the DNA, causing problems. What is implied is, forget the foreign DNA and the foreign bacteria used to excise it, but just use plain gold particles and blow them through the source cells and you will have problems. This makes me think of microwaving food and there may be some similarities regarding the damage done -- to both the food and the consumer of it.

This could be tested and confirmed. Now, all we need is someone who has the equipment designed for genetically modifying organisms, to spend money and several years selecting and growing the plants out, then spend several years testing consumption of them to determine that they should not be doing what they are doing. Think anyone will provide the funding and willing to do the research? Think anyone will be allowed to publish results which aren't favorable?

http://www.seedsofdeception.com/Public/A...rentl/index.cfm
Third row down.

Leaked documents reveal US diplomats actually work for Monsanto

(NaturalNews) Biotech giant Monsanto has been genetically modifying the world's food supply and subsequently breeding environmental devastation for years, but leaked documents now reveal that Monsanto has also deeply infiltrated the United States government. With leaked reports revealing how U.S. diplomats are actually working for Monsanto to push their agenda along with other key government officials, Monsanto's grasp on international politics has never been clearer.

Amazingly, the information reveals that the massive corporation is also intensely involved in the passing and regulations concerning the very GM ingredients they are responsible for. In fact, the information released by WikiLeaks reveals just how much power Monsanto has thanks to key positions within the United States government and elsewhere. Not only was it exposed that the U.S. is threatening nations who oppose Monsanto with military-style trade wars, but that many U.S. diplomats actually work directly for Monsanto.

What the leaked documents reveal -- Military style trade wars, government corruption

In 2007 it was requested that specific nations inside the European Union be punished for not supporting the expansion of Monsanto's GMO crops. The request for such measures to be taken was made by Craig Stapleton, the United States ambassador to France and partner to George W. Bush. Despite mounting evidence linking Monsanto's GM corn to organ damage and environmental devastation, the ambassador plainly calls for 'target retaliation' against those not supporting the GM crop. In the leaked documents, Stapleton states:

"Country team Paris recommends that we calibrate a target retaliation list that causes some pain across the EU since this is a collective responsibility, but that also focuses in part on the worst culprits. The list should be measured rather than vicious and must be sustainable over the long term, since we should not expect an early victory. Moving to retaliation will make clear that the current path has real costs to EU interests and could help strengthen European pro-biotech voices."

The undying support of key players within the U.S. towards Monsanto is undeniably made clear not only in this release, but in the legislative decisions taken by organizations such as the FDA and USDA. Legislative decisions such as allowing Monsanto's synthetic hormone Posilac (rBGH) to be injected into U.S. cows despite being banned in 27 countries. How did Monsanto pull this off?

The biotech juggernaut managed to infiltrate the FDA positions responsible for the approval of rBGH, going as far as instating the company's own Margaret Miller as Deputy Director of Human Safety and Consultative Services. After assuming this position, Miller reviewed her own report on the safety and effectiveness of rBGH.

Many US diplomats pawns of Monsanto's GM agenda

While it may be shocking to you if you are not familiar with the corrupt influence of Monsanto, the cables also show that many US diplomats are pushing GMO crops as a strategic government and commercial imperative. Interestingly enough, the U.S. focused their efforts toward advisers to the pope specifically, due to the fact that many Catholic figureheads have openly voiced their opposition to GM foods. With this kind of political influence, is it any wonder that many food staples are now predominantly GM? Nearly 93% of U.S. soybeans are heavily modified conservatively, with many other staple crops coming in at similar numbers.

U.S. diplomats have unique opportunities to spread honest and intellectual campagins that can serve to better mankind and end suffering, however they are instead spreading the roots of Monsanto deeper and deeper into international territory. As a substitute for the betterment of mankind, these paid-off diplomats are now spreading environment desecration and health destruction.

As if there wasn't already enough information to reveal Monsanto's corruption, the biotech giant also spends enormous amount of money lobbying government each year. Monsanto spent an astonishing $2 million lobbying the federal government in the 3rd quarter of 2011 alone, according to mainstream sources. Why so much cash? The government lobbying focuses on issues like regulations for GM crops and patent reforms. This 'legal' form of persuasion is the reason government agencies like the USDA and FDA let Monsanto roam freely.

Satisfying government officials' financial vested interest is all that matters when dealing with corrupt mega-corporations like Monsanto. As long as these financial ties continue to exist, Monsanto will continue to reign over the food supply and continue to wreak devastation to the environment, ecosystem, and humankind.

Sources for this article include:

http://naturalsociety.com/us-start-trade-wars-with-nations-opposed-to-monsanto-gmo-crops/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jan/03/wikileaks-us-eu-gm-crops
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9RL51J81.htm
http://213.251.145.96/cable/2007/12/07PARIS4723.html
http://www.fastcoexist.com/1677871/fearful-of-genetically-modified-crops-youre-too-late

Suzanne

Senator pushes for GMO labeling in Washington State

by Ethan A. Huff, staff writer

(NaturalNews) Regardless of whether the Republicans or Democrats occupy the White House, federal regulatory officials continue to disregard concerns about genetically-modified organisms (GMOs), and stonewall all efforts to mandate proper GMO labeling. As a result, individual states are having to craft their own GMO labeling legislation, including a new bill recently introduced in Washington State that would mandate GMO labeling beginning in 2014.

The Epoch Times reports that Washington State Senator Maralyn Chase has sponsored a new bill that would require both raw GMOs and processed foods containing GMOs to be properly labeled beginning July 2014. Any food product containing GMOs will have to bear a list outlining which ingredients are natural and which ingredients are GMO. Several other GMO labeling bills have also been introduced in the state legislature.

"People have the right to know what they're eating," said Sen. Chase about her bill. She has reportedly been working for years to address the GMO labeling issue, noting that it is a "question of transparency and accountability."

PCC Natural Markets reports that legislators from both sides of the aisle in Washington State are in support of several farmer-authored GMO labeling bills. After all, farmers trying to sell non-GMO crops, especially overseas, bear the brunt of not having GMOs labeled because their foreign market potential becomes greatly limited.

Of particular concern is the potential future approval of GM wheat, much of which would be grown in Eastern Washington. Farmers there are concerned that, if approved, GM wheat will ruin their foreign market potential since most other industrialized nations require GMO labeling, or flat out reject GMO imports. Japan, for instance, has already said it will reject GM wheat from the US, should it be approved.

Back in early 2011, more than 1,200 Eastern Washington farmers signed a petition brought before the state legislature to require GMO labeling. This "Committee to Safe Farm Markets" has tried for years to get the attention of legislators about GMO labeling, but to no avail.

As we reported previously, similar GMO labeling efforts are currently underway in California. Backed by a coalition that includes Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap, Nature's Path, Eden Foods, Lundberg, Organic Valley, and United Natural Foods, a GMO labeling initiative in California is moving forward with roughly 80 percent support among polled Californians.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/united-s...ods-176684.html

http://www.pccnaturalmarkets.com/sc/1201/gmo_labeling.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/033763_GMOs_California_ballot_initiative.html

Suzanne

I wonder what the political situation is in Canada regarding this?

Hi Daryl, there's little reason to wonder - Canada's open for business.
_______________________

Canada is open for business?

Can you elaborate?