Spraying Scorpion Toxin on our Crops

[Guest guest]

by Ric.hard Wolfson, Ph.D

Herbicide Resistant Soybeans and Canola Oil

 

http://www.earthsave.bc.ca/materials/articles/articles/health/geneng_p4.html

 

Soybeans and canola oil now in our stores have been genetically engineered to

be resistant to herbicides. This allows farmers to spray higher levels of

herbicides without damaging crops. The result: increased contamination of food,

soil, and water, toxicity to animals and plants, and reduced soil fertility, in

addition to the unknown effects of gene pollution.

Soybeans are used in approximately 60% of processed foods, including

margarine, ice cream, breads, cereals, pasta, soya sauce, tofu, and vegetarian

burgers and meat substitutes. Since canola oil and soybeans are used in such a

wide range of foods, it will be very hard to trace any health problems,

allergies, or other toxic effects should they arise.

 

Spraying Scorpion Toxin on our Crops

Another alarming product now being tested in Southern Ontario is a genetically

engineered insect virus. A gene for scorpion toxin has been inserted into an

insect virus, which is sprayed onto leafy vegetables, such as lettuce, broccoli

and cabbage, to kill insects.

This genetically engineered virus is highly potent in destroying insects,

both pests and their natural predators, as well as pollinators. The toxin may

not be threatening to humans who eat it, but its impact on cuts and open sores

is a concern. In addition, such a gene, if incorporated into the human

chromosomes, could create a terrible nerve disease or a powerful autoimmune

disease. The virus that acquires the scorpion toxin gene could also gain a

genetic advantage and become a formidable parasite. Scientists are further

concerned that the toxin gene could easily spread from experimental crops to

neighbouring areas, and that the spread of the toxin is not being properly

monitored.