Press Release 2012 – CRIIGEN & Testbiotech

Bt protein toxic to human cells

Caen/ München. Insecticidal Bt toxins such as those produced in genetically engineered plants can be detrimental to human cells. This is a result of recent research led by researchers at the University of Caen (France). Their experiments showed that toxins produced in, for example, the genetically engineered maize MON810, can significantly impact the viability of human cells. The effects were observed with relatively high concentrations of the toxins, nevertheless there is cause for concern. According to companies like Monsanto, which produces genetically engineered maize with these toxins, the toxins are supposed to be active only against particular insects and should have no effect on mammals and humans at all. For the first time, experiments have now shown that they can have an effect on human cells. These kinds of investigations are not a requirement for risk assessment in Europe or in any other region.

Another finding of the researchers concerns a herbicide formulation sold under the brand name Roundup. Massive amounts of this herbicide are sprayed on genetically engineered soybean crops and its residues can be found in food and feed. According to the new publication, even extremely low dosages of Roundup (glyphosate formulations) can damage human cells.  These findings are in accordance with several other investigations highlighting unexpected health risks associated with glyphosate preparations.

“We were very much surprised by our findings. Until now, it has been thought almost impossible for Bt proteins to be toxic to human cells. Now further investigations have to be conducted to find out how these toxins impact the cells and if combinatorial effects with other compounds in the food and feed chain have to be taken into account,” says Gilles-Eric Séralini from the University of Caen, who supervised the experiments. “In conclusion, these experiments show that the risks of Bt toxins and of Roundup have been underestimated.”

Bt toxins and tolerance to herbicides are broadly used in genetically engineered plants. Bt proteins only naturally occur in soil bacteria. By introducing the modified toxin gene into the plants, the structure of the toxins is modified and may thereby cause selectivity to be changed. The content of the proteins within the plants is highly variable. Many genetically engineered plants contain several Bt toxins at the same time. For example, SmartStax produces six different Bt toxins and therefore has a higher overall content of the proteins. In addition, it was made tolerant to herbicides. So far, there has been no investigation of the combinatorial effects of these toxins and residues from spraying, or their potential risks for human health, which was considered unlikely. The researchers have now shown that interactivity does occur. Under the specific conditions of their experiment, the modified Bt toxin lowered the toxicity of Roundup.  Further investigations are necessary to examine other potential combinatorial effects under varying conditions.

“These results are pretty worrying. Risk assessment requirements for genetically engineered plants and pesticides need to be rigidly enforced. In the light of these findings, we think that the commercialization of these plants is not in accordance with EU regulations”, says Christoph Then at Testbiotech. Testbiotech is closely following risk assessment at the European Food Safety Authority EFSA and has repeatedly brought attention to gaps in risk assessment.

3rd Annual Mississippi Sustainable Living Conference: Saving Dollars, Making Sense

February 25th 2012, Raymond, Mississippi 8am to 5pm

Gaining Ground Sustainability Institute of Mississippi announces our third state-wide conference. Register today at www.ggsim.org.

Four Sections: Health & Wellness, Home & Garden, Energy, Networking

This year's conference offers 4 broad topic areas as well as lunch, vendors, and a children's center.

The Health & Wellness Section ties sustainable living to the idea "We are what we eat" and breathe, and do. Mississippi must move beyond our epidemic rates of diabetes, heart disease, and our National label as the most obese state in the nation. We must find our own, locally-based solutions to these health issues. This Section begins with the statewide Farm-to-School Summit, walks participants through amazing health initiatives happening in Delta church yards and Jackson inner city gardens, and brings healthy practices right into your own kitchens, backyards, and homes.

The Home & Garden Section is perfect for homesteaders looking for food independence or extra income. Dreaming of providing renewable energy for your home, growing and preserving your own food, increasing the honeybee population, or keeping your own chickens? This section is for you. Learn how you can save and earn money in your own home and backyard.

In the Energy Section you will find out what is happening in communities and on college campuses around Mississippi. Learn about cutting-edge technologies from Mississippi Technology Alliance. Find out what you can do in your home and community to reduce our dependence on oil and coal.

Our Networking Section pulls people together to make a positive change for Mississippi. Find out how one single mom started a lawn-to-garden conversion with O Gardens! Listen to Dustin Pinion tell us how we can create a lucrative local food system in our state. Find out about Mississippi's newly formed Food Policy Council. Get the tools you need to advocate for change during your lunch break with Toolkits for Community Activists. Join our Mississippi Sustainable Agricultural Network to redefine the face of farming in our state. And get information from the US Green Building Council about how to make your home and business more sustainable.

Register Early and Save!

$65 non-members, $35 members

$25 Farm-to-School Only w. CEUs

$15 Students, Veterans free

Children 16 and under free

Register Online Today at www.ggsim.org

See Full Schedule Below

3rd Annual Sustainable Living Conference: Saving Dollars, Making Sense Saturday February 25th

8:00-9:00 Registration