Genetically Modified Corn Might Not Be Good For You

From the Department of “Who wouldda thought that genetically modifying food to be poisonous to one species would make it harmful to other species as well?” (ok that’s not a real organization–the story is from Food Navigator USA). An independent group of French scientists called CRIIGEN (Committee for Independent Research and Genetic Engineering) recently released the results of their study on Monsanto’s genetically-modified maize, MON863. The gist? That after three months of eating the maize, lab rats developed signs of liver and kidney toxicity, along with weight gain amongst female rats and weight loss amongst the males (that last indicating “deeper effects at the hormone level”).

The results of the study also bring into question the methodology of the study Monsanto used initially to prove that the corn was safe for human consumption. The skepticism calls to mind the study Monsanto put out in January (after Starbucks and Safeway both announced plans to convert entirely to rBGH-free dairy) to “prove” that rBGH-laden dairy was no different than organic, which the Center for Food Safety called “laughable” because it was unclear whether any of the milk tested actually came from cows treated with the artificial hormone. The FDA’s original approval of Prosilac (rBGH) was also based on Monsanto’s dubious research.

Eat real food that doesn’t need to be proven safe with junk science! Find farmers and other sustainable food vendors at our Eat Well Guide!

In un-creepy, un-corny (completely unrelated, really) news, our friends at Chow.com have a lot of discussion happening about corned beef on their message board, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. We would love to get our hands on some sustainable Irish recipes, so if you have a good one you’d like to share, send it in to info@sustainabletable.org.