Are animals fed GM feed ...different?

[Guest guest]

Are animals fed GM feed ....different?

Sunday, 10 January 2010 18:16

_http://www.gmwatch.org/latest-listing/1-news-items/11841-are-animals-fed-gm

-feed-different_

(http://www.gmwatch.org/latest-listing/1-news-items/11841-are-animals-fed-gm-fee\

d-different)

 

 

1.A LANDMARK RULING: Animals fed on GM components ARE different

 

2.SUMMARY: Report on animals exposed to GM ingredients in animal feed

 

 

NOTE: Even in the European Union where there is mandatory labelling of GM

ingredients in food and feed, there is no mandatory labeling as yet of

meat, dairy products or eggs from animals fed on GM feed (GM corn or soya, for

example).

 

 

Even though such labeling is favoured by consumers, and is justifiable

purely in terms of transparency, the food industry has tried to make out that

GM feed fed to animals makes no difference either to the animal or the

final product. Research shows both claims are scientifically unsupported.

 

 

In this context, Prof Jack Heinemann has produced an exhaustive review of

the literature. Item 1 is GM-Free Cymru*s excellent brief summary of his

report, and also sets it in the context of a landmark ruling by the New

Zealand (NZ) Commerce Commission. Item 2 draws on the report to give more

detail.

 

 

Prof Heinemann's study is available here: _http://bit.ly/4HcJuJ_

(http://bit.ly/4HcJuJ)

Or via the Commerce Commission web site, at the bottom of the following

page:

_http://www.comcom.govt.nz//MediaCentre/MediaReleases/200910/inghamswarnedov

ergmfreechickenclai.aspx_

(http://www.comcom.govt.nz//MediaCentre/MediaReleases/200910/inghamswarnedovergm\

freechickenclai.aspx)

---

---

1.A LANDMARK RULING

NZ Commerce Commission: animals fed on GM components ARE different

Comment by GM-Free Cymru

_http://www.gmfreecymru.org/documents/landmark.html_

(http://www.gmfreecymru.org/documents/landmark.html)

 

 

In a landmark ruling, the NZ Commerce Commission has accepted evidence

from Prof Jack Heinemann, from an exhaustive review of the literature and on

the basis of his own extensive professional experience, that animals fed on

GM components ARE different from those which are reared using non-GM feed.

This is a direct challenge to EFSA and FSA, who have maintained

consistently that there are no differences between GM- fed and non-GM-fed

animals, and

that there is therefore no need for labelling or segregation of feed

supplies to meet consumer demand for GM-free products.

 

 

This issue came to a head because of complaints that NZ poultry producer

Inghams claimed, in a high-pressure advertising campaign, that its chickens

contained no GM ingredients, in spite of using up to 13% GM soy-based feed.

In one of its adverts, Inghams said: " Research confirms that animals that

consume feed with a component of GM are no different compared to animals

that have been fed a low GM or GM free diet. "

 

 

The Commission has now told Inghams that it was breaching the Fair Trading

Act by making false or misleading claims. Inghams continued to argue on

its website that the use of GM soy did not compromise an absolute GM-free

status and animals that ate feed with a GM component were no different to

animals that may have been fed a low GM or GM- free diet. This position was

verified by numerous feeding studies, the website said. The company cited

publications by a New Zealand Royal Commission, the Royal Society and the

Federation of Animal Science Societies. However, those publications were at

least 7 years old; and the company accepted the CC ruling and stopped the

advertising as soon as Prof Heinemann's investigation was commenced.

 

 

Prof Heinemann's Report, entitled " Report on animals exposed to GM

ingredients in animal feed " (July 2009), makes interesting reading. It surveys

all

of the published animal feeding studies which are cited by EFSA, FSA and

other bodies, and subjects them to a careful analysis. He refuses to be

drawn on human health and safety safety issues (since that was not his brief)

but concludes that there are many deficiencies in the studies which purport

to show " no effects " from the consumption of GM animal feed. Sometimes, in

animal feeding experiments, GM components have been used in both the test

group and the control group, which would have the effect of masking GM

effects. Many animal feeding experiments are too short to reveal physiological

changes. Other deficiencies are related to variability in the GM DNA of feed

supplies, the sensitivity of the testing methods used, and the use of

surrogate proteins rather than whole GM feed in the testing protocols.

 

 

Nonetheless, there are abundant studies (including some conducted under

the auspices of the GM industry itself) that show statistically significant

physiological changes in GM-fed animals, and that reveal the presence of

" DNA and protein unique to GM plants within animals and animal products. " Prof

Heinemann also concludes: " There is compelling evidence that animals

provided with feed containing GM ingredients can react in a way that is unique

to an exposure to GM plants. This is revealed through metabolic,

physiological or immunological responses in exposed animals. "

 

 

This is a very important study which should form the basis of a direct

challenge to EFSA and FSA to change the wording on their websites and to

abandon their fondly-held beliefs that GM components fed to farm animals do not

enter the animal and animal product food chain.

---

---

2.Report on animals exposed to GM ingredients in animal feed

Prepared for the Commerce Commission of New Zealand

by Professor Jack A.Heinemann, PhD

24 July 2009

Summarised by GMWatch. NB: in some cases we have simplified language. If

this results in any loss of scientific accuracy, the fault is ours. Readers

who need accuracy of information are advised to consult Prof Heinemann's

original report.

 

 

This report addresses the questions:

 

-- could DNA from GM plants be transferred to the animal?

 

-- could GM plants be incorporated into other products sold as chicken

products, including bread or stuffing?

 

-- could proteins from GM plants be transferred to the product or could

the GM feed alter metabolites [any substance involved in metabolism, either

as a product of metabolism or as necessary for metabolism] in the animal?

 

-- could GM feed cause physiological or immunological responses in the

animal?

 

 

Summary of conclusions

 

There is substantial literature that reports the detection of DNA and

protein unique to GM plants within animals and animal products. Based on

studies, it is not possible to conclude that animals and derived products are

free of GM material when they have been exposed to GM plants through

i) feeding,

ii) proximity to other animals on GM feed, or

iii) subsequent processing.

The most consistent finding in the literature is that animals not exposed

to GM feed were unlikely to be contaminated with GM material.

 

 

There is compelling evidence that animals provided with feed containing GM

ingredients can react in a way that is unique to an exposure to GM plants.

This is revealed through metabolic, physiological or immunological

responses in exposed animals. In the absence of appropriate testing, we can't

assume that raising an animal on GM feed will not affect the final product –

even if there is no detectable residue from the GM material.

 

 

The cumulative strength of positive detections reviewed in studies leave

no unreasonable uncertainty that GM plant material can transfer to animals

exposed to GM feed in their diets or environment, and that there can be a

residual difference in animals or animal products as a result of exposure to

GM feed.

 

 

On current GM policy for retailers in Europe

 

Retailers are linking the use of GM feed with the GM status of their

animal products. For the United Kingdom and Ireland:

 

 

" All of Marks & Spencer's fresh meat and poultry, salmon, shell eggs and

fresh milk comes from animals fed on a non-GM diet. The Kepak Group, which

controls 60% of Irish beef exports, requires some farmers who produce meat

for its flagship KK Club brand to exclude the use of GM animal feed,

 

 

" All Kepak's chicken meat comes from birds reared on a vegetarian, non-GMO

diet. The Silver Pall Dairy in Co Cork has signed multi-million euro

foreign direct investment deals with Baskin Robbins (the world's largest

ice-cream retailer) and with Ben & Gerry's, to produce GM-free ice cream (made

from milk from cows fed a certified non-GM diet) for the European market.

 

 

" Tesco, Sainsburys, M & S and Budgen Stores all have quality labels for meat

and dairy produce from livestock fed on certified GM-free animal feed. All

of Marks & Spencer's fresh meat and poultry, salmon, shell eggs and fresh

milk comes from animals fed on non-GM diet. Moreover, standard poultry sold

In most UK supermarkets now carries a label certifying GM-free feed " .

 

 

Similar practices are reported for Italy, France and Switzerland.

TraceConsultâ„¢, which describes itself as a consultancy, reported on 20 July

2009

that the Swedish Dairy Association " were suddenly unable to continue their

claim of supplying GMO-free milk " due to inadvertent distribution of GM feed

to member farmers.

 

 

On whether consumers can avoid eating GM DNA in animal products

 

Would a consumer eating an animal raised on GM feed be able to avoid

ingestion of DNA, protein or other substances unique to a GM plant, or able to

avoid animal physiological or immunological responses to substances unique

to GM plants? According to the evidence, no.

 

 

The research is clear on the following. If a consumer wanted to avoid

eating GM DNA, then this consumer would have a high likelihood of success

through purchasing meat products from animals raised on GM-free feed. For

products that are breaded or stuffed, that consumer could probably avoid

exposure

to GM DNA if the ingredients in the breading and stuffing were certified

organic or GM-free. If a consumer wanted to avoid eating proteins or

metabolites unique to GM plants, then this consumer would have a high

likelihood

of success purchasing meat products from animals raised on GM-free feed. If

a consumer wanted to avoid the ingestion of metabolites or proteins in

animals that were only present, or present at different concentrations, when

the animal was fed a GM plant, then this consumer would have a high

likelihood of success through purchasing meat products from animals raised on

GM-free feed.

 

***

 

On Inghams' GM policy

 

Inghams is a major chicken and animal feed producer based in Australia.

Inghams states:

 

" Inghams is committed to sourcing non-GM ingredients for its poultry feeds

and uses its best endeavours to source non-GM ingredients. Because these

ingredients must meet specific quality standards and be available in

quantities that are economically sustainable, Ingham chickens may sometimes

consume poultry feed which could contain GM ingredients. This does not however

compromise the absolute GM-free status of Ingham chicken products. "

 

" Research confirms that animals that consume feed with a component of GM

are no different compared to animals that have been fed a low GM or GM free

diet. "

 

" Inghams meets or exceeds all regulatory guidelines, script of practice

and standards in New Zealand and Australia...As is the case with all Inghams

products, our chickens contain no GM content and are not genetically

modified. "

 

" The use of GM Soya in feed does not compromise the absolute GM-free

status of the poultry products the company produces. Animals that eat feed with

a component of GM Soya are no different to other animals that may have been

fed a low GM or GM-free diet. "

 

However, all of the documents that Inghams uses as references for its

position are at least seven years old, which is very old in such an active area

of science and intense public interest. Importantly, one of the three

references used, the UK Royal Society's 2002 Update, does not address the issue

of what constitutes " GM free " . It mentions a few older animal studies

looking for detection of DNA in animals fed GM feed, and concludes that " DNA

present in food can find its way into mammalian cells at some low frequency " .

 

 

 

The NZ Royal Commission reported ... that they had heard from a variety of

sources, including the predecessor of Food Standards Australia New Zealand

and a submitter from Iowa State University that there were as of 2000-1 no

detectable human health issues proven to be related to the use of GM

plants as animal feed, and that under present labelling laws animals that

consumed GM plants were not considered " genetically modified " . While the Royal

Commission deliberated on the evidence of safety to humans, I could find no

deliberation on the specific issue of whether chickens or other food animals

fed GM plants would constitute the use of GM ingredients. ... In sum, the

references that Inghams Enterprises uses to support its claims are both out

of date and of questionable support for its policy position.

 

***

 

*There is evidence of DNA unique to GM plants in animals given GM feed -

but DNA is inconsistently detected:

 

Pigs

Pigs were fed on controlled diets with some groups receiving 60% GM and

some conventional maize. DNA unique to the transgene used in GM maize event

Btl 1 was detected in pig stomachs, small intestine (duodenal, ileum),

rectal and cecal contents but not in peripheral blood.

 

 

Cows

In a survey of milk products sold in stores in Italy, researchers found

evidence of target DNA unique to GM plants in 38% of samples, including those

labelled " organic " .

 

 

Fish

GM plant-specific target DNA was detected in the gastrointestinal (GI)

tract of rainbow trout fed on a defatted GM soybean variety. The target DNA

was detected for up to three days post transfer to a non-GM diet. This DNA

was subsequently detected in leukocytes (white blood cells), head kidney and

muscle. The target DNA was confirmed to be identical to the DNA in the GM

soybeans.

 

 

Chickens

A study on GM corn Bt176 fed to broiler chicken found that the DNA was not

completely digested and could be detected for various lengths of time

post-consumption in the crop, proventriculus (part of the stomach), gizzard,

small intestine (duodenum, jejnum, ileum) and the caeca and rectum. The

researchers reported evidence of plant-specific DNA in the blood, pectoral and

thigh muscles, liver, spleen and kidney up to four hours after feeding, but

did not detect the DNA unique to Bt176. No further detection was possible

after 24 hours from feeding. This finding establishes that DNA can persist,

circulate and transfer to deeper tissues although any particular fragment

may fall below the detection limit.

 

In another study researchers found plant-specific DNA on chicken meat in

supermarkets. While the target was not DNA unique to a GM plant, " it can be

considered that an incomplete degradation of ingested DNA fragments may

take place in the Gl tract of birds, enabling the detection of residual plant

gene fragments. Due to a fast passage of feed through the GI tract of birds

the appearance of DNA fragments might be more likely than for mammals " .

DNA unique to a GM plant would be as likely to persist in animals fed GM-feed

as any plant-specific DNA.

 

 

These researchers could not distinguish between several causes of DNA on

the chickens, including residual undigested DNA from feed or contamination

with feed dust which was not removed through the slaughter, preparation and

packaging process. They confirmed that the DNA was from an external source

and not because the chickens were genetically modified, because the target

DNA was not detected in chicken embryos. For the purposes of this report,

the cause is irrelevant because whether the GM-specific DNA is present as a

partial digestion product on the meat or whether the meat is contaminated

as a result of airborne material from GM-feed, it ultimately is on the

chicken because of the use of GM feed.

 

 

Notable quotes from two studies:

 

1. **In summary, all results coincide with former propositions about a

possible transfer of small DNA fragments from feed into distinct farm animals.

First data are now available for pigs, and a recent report first observing

foreign DNA within various chicken organs is supported** (p. 274 Klotz et

al., 2002).

 

2. **Studies on DNA degradation in the GI tract suggest that foreign DNA

ingested by animals is not completely degraded in their GI tracts** (p.

380-381 Chainark et al., 2008).

 

Rats

In rats fed on maize flour, a maize-specific single gene (as a surrogate

for a GM-specific gene) was detected in the upper GI, from stomach to

duodenum, and a gene maintained at multiple copies was detected throughout the

GI

down to the jejunum, ileum, caecum, colon and in the faeces.

 

 

Sheep

A toxin gene unique to GM-maize was detected in rumen juice up to 5 hours

after feeding. Targeting a smaller fragment to increase the efficiency of

PCR allowed detection up to 24 hours after feeding.

 

***

 

Comment on EFSA report

 

A report from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) emphasised

negative detections of DNA. A strength of their consideration of the issue of

GM

feed was to consider the entire supply chain including the effects of

ensilaging and processing on the stability of DNA and proteins. They draw on a

review by Flachowsky et al (2007). That review cites a 2003 abstract published

in German describing the effects of processing on oilseed rape DNA. This

abstract apparently reported a decline in the ability to amplify DNA

specific to a variety of GM oilseed rape as it was toasted for longer times.

Nonetheless, plant-specific fragments of DNA were still detected after three

toasting treatments. The most rigorous regime was a series of four toasting

treatments from which a GM-specific DNA fragment could still be amplified.

Similarly, Flachowsky et al found that mechanical treatments had no effect on

the stability of DNA from GM maize but ensiling (making silage out of the

maize) did.

Nevertheless, a DNA fragment that was diagnostic of the GM plant was still

amplified from ensiled maize after 200 days.

 

 

Flachowsky et al. proclaim in the abstract of their review that: " to date,

no fragments of recombinant DNA have been found in any organ or tissue

sample from animals fed " GM plants (p. 3 Flachowsky et al., 2007). This strong

statement seems to have heavily influenced EFSA, but is perhaps

misleading. As EFSA admit, the: " DNA introduced into crops through recombinant

DNA

technology is not different from other sources of DNA in the diet " (p. 2

EFSA, 2007) and this kind of DNA has unambiguously been found in organs and

muscle. The proportion of DNA that is being targeted in studies is tiny

compared to the total dietary DNA intake by the animal. Based on estimates of

dietary DNA a cow might consume in a day (on feed with a 60% GM content), this

target is only 0.000094% (or about one 1 millionth) of dietary DNA spread

over the volume of the animal (Beever and Phipps, 2001). Thus, any detection

of a specific fragment of DNA, which is already at small concentrations in

the animal, is actually dramatic evidence that DNA is not thoroughly

degraded or digested. These positive detections serve to assure us that DNA

survives degradation and digestion because single copy DNA markers can be

recovered from animals.

 

 

Despite the strong statement in the abstract, the authors more cautiously

conclude their review by saying: " However, in the case that plant

DNA-fragments should be absorbed, it might be that transgenic DNA-fragments are

also

absorbed " (p. 27 Flachowsky et al., 2007).

 

 

In fact, Flachowsky et al. cite four studies in which a plant-specific DNA

marker was found in animal muscle, organs, or tissues out of only seven

total studies they cite for positive detections of plant-specific DNA in

animals. Even in this far from exhaustive survey of the literature, more than

50% of the studies indicated that dietary DNA can pass beyond the GIT of

animals and it is only a matter of chance whether the detected DNA is natural

to the plant or is GM. Furthermore, unlike this report, their survey of the

literature included papers published only up to 2005.

 

***

 

*There is there evidence of proteins unique to GM plants in animals fed GM

plants, or metabolic differences in these animals - but not in every

study.

 

This variability may be expected because of variations in exposure to GM

material and accumulations of protein near the limit of detection.

 

 

Importantly, in the studies considered in this report that address this

issue, control animals and diets were used. These control animals were fed

non-GM equivalent material. In general, no GM-specific DNA or protein was

detected from animals not fed material derived from GM plants.

 

***

 

*There is evidence of physiological or immunological responses specific to

GM plants in animals fed GM plants:

 

Fish

Atlantic salmon fed on (MON810) GM maize-derived fish meal differed

significantly in the activity of enzymes extracted from livers as compared to

fish fed conventional maize meals.

 

 

Rats and mice

Rats fed GM rice producing the Ciyl Ab protein or PHA-E lectin were

monitored for allergic responses. Some of the most significant changes were

observed in rats on the GM diet for 90 days, where the PHA-E lectin caused a

dose-dependent increase in IgA levels (indicating immune response), and the

weight of lymph nodes were increased in these animals. Rats fed GM rice

uniquely producing Cryl Ab had significantly higher white blood cell counts and

male rats had reduced adrenals.

 

 

Most striking, this study found an antigen (i.e., Cry lAb or

PHA-E)-specific immune response even in control animals (those not fed the GM

rice). The

authors said these results may be explained by inhalation of particles by

the control group.

 

 

Thus, exposure to GM plant material could cause immunological changes in

animals even if the material is kept out of their food but is used in

animals contained within range of the feed dust.

 

 

In another study in which rats were fed meat using GM or non-GM soya, the

rats has depleted precursors of a certain enzyme and disorganised

pancreatic cells – changes that are often indicative of pancreatitis. The

authors

note: " The results appear to indicate that rats fed on a GM diet suffered " a

mild pancreatic injury with an adaptive response " .

 

 

In another study, mice fed GM soya diet to mice were compared to mice fed

a non-GM control soya diet. Again, changes were observed in the pancreatic

cells of GM fed mice. The authors interpreted these changes as an

indication that in GM soya fed mice, the activity of the cell nucleolus is

depressed

and there could be more general effects on RNA processing, affecting the

production of some enzymes in animals on GM feed.

 

 

Hepatocytes (liver cells) of mice were examined after they were maintained

on a 14% GM or conventional soya diet. Hepatocytes are involved in

numerous metabolic pathways: they metabolise and transform most of the products

of

digestion, and degrade and detoxify substances. Hepatocyte nuclei in the

GM-fed mice had irregular shapes compared to controls.