Dear Editor,

The issue of GMO food continues to build. It is my understanding that even though GMO corn has been banned from Belize, it is still being planted in both Spanish Lookout and the Banana Bank area. We must somehow keep this issue and this fight on the forefront.

Many proponents of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) always seem to tout “the science” when making claims that GMO products are safe for animal and human consumption. I’m left wondering what science they are using to back up these claims.

In September 2012, the results of the first-ever long-term animal feeding trial of GM corn and glyphosate residue were released, led by Giles-Eric Seralini of the University of Caen in France.
The study results found much higher incidences of tumors, digestive problems, organ damage, and premature death in lab rats fed GM corn and glyphosate residue, the primary ingredient in Roundup.

In 2013, the results of a feeding study done on just-weaned pigs were released, conducted by Judy Carman of Flinders University in Australia. It found that a diet of GM corn and soy produced severe stomach inflammation in the pigs, as well as enlargement of the uteruses in female pigs, indicating digestive and reproductive damage from GM diets.

Also in 2013, the results of a study on glyphosate excretion in the urine of Danish dairy cattle were released by Dr. Monica Kruger. This study found that glyphosate was excreted in varying amounts by all the cattle studied from eight different farms. Blood tests showed toxicity, with a particular effect on liver and muscle cells, indicating glyphosate is toxic to the metabolism of dairy cattle.

People don’t want or need added hormones, antibiotics, steroids, or genetically modified organisms in their food. Antibiotic, hormone and GMO-free meats and food is the future, not the other way around.

Hon. Collet Montejo
Senator