A study published in the latest edition of the International Journal of Biological Sciences, comparing the effects of three varieties of GM maize on rats, found that the pesticides used on the GMOs cause damages to the kidneys and liver of the animals, as well as problems in other organs.

The study, conducted by scientists Joël Spiroux de Vendômois, François Roullier, Dominique Cellier y Gilles-Eric Séralini -of the French universities Caen and Rouen- analyzed the effects of GM maize variety NK 603, MON 810 and MON 863, the three of Monsanto seed transnational corporation.

As part of the study, rats were fed with the three varieties of Monsanto GM maize for 90 days, measuring its effects through blood tests and tests that comprised nearly 60 different biochemical parameters per organ, comparing the results also with the features presented by reference groups fed with non GM maize varieties.

According to the scientists, these studies are a model to research the effects of these GM maize varieties on other mammals to unravel the consequences on animal and human health when submitting them to a GM-based diet, since the study on rats shows that there was damage to kidneys and liver, but also to their hearts, adrenal glands, spleen and haematopoietic system.

According to the researchers, the study points that “these data highlight signs of hepatorenal toxicity, possibly due to the new pesticides specific to each GM corn. In addition, unintended direct or indirect metabolic consequences of the genetic modification cannot be excluded”. As a result of this evidence they suggest that a study be conducted to verify the long term health effects of GMOs, involving at least two years of research.

The scientific study confirms the criticism that social movements around the world have voiced about the products of this agribusiness corporation which, besides damaging the consumer’s health, they damage the biodiversity and privatize seeds.

David Sanchez, head of Agriculture and Food of Friends of the Earth Spain said: “These studies show that it is not possible to guarantee the security of GM food. We should apply the precautionary principle and withdraw GMOs from our agriculture and our food”.

The full study (available in English) can be found on the website of the International Journal of Biological Sciences: http://www.biolsci.org/v05p0706.htm