YOU CAN'T FOOL MOTHER NATURE

March 3, 2004

I recently received an e-mail from Steve Meyerowitz with forwarded material from the web site of the Organic Consumers Association - www.organicconsumers.org. The title of the article was called New Studies Set off Alarms on Health Hazards of GMOs (genetically modified organisms). It related important information I thought was vital to share due to the public health concerns it raises.

The article written by John Vidal states the following:

"Scientists investigating illnesses among people close to GM maize fields in the Philippines believe that the crop may have triggered fevers, respiratory illnesses and skin reactions. If preliminary results are confirmed, it would be one on the first recorded cases of serious health problems associated with GM crops, and could damage the reputation of the biotech agriculture industry, which is rapidly expanding in developing countries."

1. The local farmers who have come down with the same type of illness could possibly be reacting to the toxin Bt maize pollen.
2. Tests on rats show that the Cauliflower Mosaic Virus Promoter (CaMV 35S), which is used to switch on the inserted gene, was found intact in the cell tissues of some rats. This was thought to be impossible by the biotech industry.
3. If the CaMV is intact in the body tissue, it may be found to be active, which it could potentially switch on dormant DNA in our own genetic makeup.

So, what can we conclude from this? Possibly nothing until more conclusive research is done. Yet, doesn't it suggest that maybe a freeze on genetic engineering may be appropriate and utilization of its products until safety is proven? Shouldn't we be asked if we, as the public, are okay with these products and at least have them labeled for our edification?

Maybe this is just another reminder to buy organic foods and locally grown foods as much as possible. Or should we trust companies like Monsanto to watch out for our best interests? Let's all stay awake and be on the lookout for our own best interests. Take time and go to the above web site and write your representatives about how you feel. Or follow the course of action as outlined on www.saynotogmos.org. Perhaps trying to fool Mother Nature is not such a good idea.

For more information on a healthy diet and overall health check out Steve Meyerowitz's web site, www.sproutman.com. And thank you Steve for passing this along to us.