GMO News and Analysis, Food Safety Politics - GMO Journal

Europe Takes Action To Protect Bees But Where Is the EPA?

Deniza Gertsberg — Wed, 15 May 2013 10:51:22 +0000

The European Commission recently said it will ban three neonicotinoids for the next two years citing "acute high risks" to bees associated with this pesticide. The EPA only recommends more tests.

Seed Oligarchs

Deniza Gertsberg — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:05:46 +0000

What has the existing patent system in agriculture yielded? Seed industry consolidation, increased seed prices, loss of biodiversity, and the stifling of independent research and scientific inquiry. The latest about intellectual property in agriculture.

Food Labeling Unleashed

Deniza Gertsberg — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:13:27 +0000

Cholesterol decreasing juice, anti-cancer green tea, and cherries as James-Bond agents to neutralize cancer -- believable or not? FDA's confusing food labeling rules are criticized for allowing many companies to make misleading claims on food labels.

Antibiotics Preservation Legislation Introduced in Congress

Deniza Gertsberg — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 11:11:37 +0000

Calling antibiotic resistance in the population a "major public health crisis," Rep. Slaughter introduced legislation to prohibit the use of antibiotics for sub-therapeutic purposes in food animals.

Common Pesticides Are More Dangerous Than You Know

Deniza Gertsberg — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 11:59:05 +0000

Another study finds inert ingredients in glyphosate formulations to be toxic human cells, questioning regulators' focus on the active ingredient during the risk assessment process.

U.S. Grassland Bird Decline Hastened By Pesticide Use

Boris Gitlin — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 11:46:11 +0000

Analyzing over 20 years of data, two researchers concluded that pesticide use, not habitat loss, was the most important factor contributing to widespread declines in populations of U.S. grassland birds.

Animals, Antibiotics and Superbugs

Deniza Gertsberg — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:56:46 +0000

One of the causes of antibiotic resistance in humans is the overuse of antibiotics on industrial animal farms. Despite the urgent public health crisis, neither the FDA nor lawmakers have stemmed the overuse of such important medicines for purposes of growth and disease prevention, not treatment.

Farming Groups Take On Goliath In Court

Deniza Gertsberg — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 11:50:29 +0000

In a case of national prominence, farmers, seed selling businesses and agricultural organizations are fighting for their right to seek legal protection from accusations of patent infringement by the agri-giant Monsanto should they become contaminated by Monsanto’s GMO seed.

European Food Safety Authority: Neonics Pose Acute Risk To Honeybees

Deniza Gertsberg — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 12:41:03 +0000

European Food Safety Authority's analysis of neonicotinioids acknowledged a number of serious risks to bees associated with their use. The agency recommended that, among other things, these systemic pesticides be only used on crops not attractive to honey bees.

Nonprofit Fights Deceptive Food Health Claims

Deniza Gertsberg — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 14:51:28 +0000

Food and supplement makers complain they are under siege all the while making deceptive health claims and doing little to improve nutrition. The Center for Science in the Public Interest has been behind many of the lawsuits over unsubstantiated and misleading labeling.