A new study links genetically engineered corn to mammary tumors, kidney and liver damage and other serious illnesses in rats in the first ever peer-reviewed, long-term animal study of these foods.
The findings were published this week in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology.
While numerous 90-day studies have already linked genetically modified organisms (GMO) foods to allergies and other health problems, this is the first-ever long term animal study on the health effects of genetically engineered foods.
It comes as California voters consider the Proposition 37 Right to Know initiative to label genetically engineered foods.
“The results of this study are worrying,” said Gary Ruskin, campaign manager for Yes on Proposition 37 California Right to Know. “They underscore the importance of giving California families the right to know whether our food is genetically engineered, and to decide for ourselves whether we want to gamble with our health by eating GMO foods that have not been adequately studied and have not been proven safe.”
“By requiring simple labels on genetically engineered foods, Proposition 37 gives Californians the ability to choose whether to expose ourselves and our families to any potential health risks. The right to know is fundamental, and that’s why 50 countries around the world have already enacted labeling requirements for genetically engineered food.”