The myth of “substantial equivalence” between GM crops and their closest non-GM relatives (called “isolines”) has taken yet another scientific hit. Researchers performed a meta-analysis of genetic data on rice, canola, maize, sunflower, and pumpkin. They found that maize, pumpkin and rice demonstrated wide variation for traits related to days to flowering, number of seeds/fruit, plant height, and pollen viability. This latest peer-reviewed report of unintended consequences from the GM process again questions regulatory claims that GMOs are “substantially equivalent” to the original non-GMO parent.
France may start labelling meat fed with GM crops (Can we do this in the US?)
French politicians have backed mandatory labelling for GM animal feed as part of the Food and Agriculture Bill. The bill will also make it mandatory for labels to include details of pesticide use used on fruit and vegetables. If accepted by the Senate, the new labelling laws will start by January 2023.
Demand in Germany for Non-GMO milk and dairy products, eggs and poultry remains unabated. This year, food producers are forecast to sell 7 billion Euro worth of dairy, poultry and egg products that are certified with a government-backed Non-GMO food label to German supermarkets.
US Right to Know sues EPA for glyphosate residue documents
US Right to Know, a consumer advocacy organization, has filed a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for violating provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The lawsuit seeks documents related to the EPA’s interactions with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding testing food samples for residues of the herbicide ingredient glyphosate.