On May 23rd, organizers around the world will be joining forces in the March Against Monsanto, a global protest seeking “to raise awareness to the dangers surrounding Monsanto’s genetically modified seeds and cancer-linked herbicide Roundup,” according to a press release on the group’s website.
An estimated 428 cities in 38 countries will be participating in the march. This Google Spreadsheet details where in the world the protests will be taking place, with Facebook event links and other details.
GMOs have been under fire for some time now, as this Open Letter from World Scientists to All Governments from 1999 indicates, warning about the effects and requesting to stop their use. This review of GMO studies concluded that “the majority of studies reviewed lacked a unified approach and transparency in their methodology and results, making it impossible to properly review or repeat these studies.”
In this study, glyphosate from Roundup was found to accumulate in significant amounts in genetically modified soybeans compared to their organic counterparts. The organic soybeans also had a much higher nutritional profile. This study showed significant issues in rats fed Roundup-tolerant GM maize, including pituitary, liver and kidney dysfunction, and mammary tumors in females.
Watch Dr. Pedram Shojai’s interview with Tom Malterre for more on Roundup and health.
A recent class action lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles contending that Monsanto made false claims about its Roundup weed killer. According to plaintiffs, glyphosate targets weeds by inhibiting the enzyme EPSP synthase, which prevents them from making proteins from amino acids or uptaking minerals. According to the lawsuit, Monsanto claims that this enzyme is not found in humans, while plaintiffs claim that this is false – that the enzyme is found in human gut bacteria, and the effects on human gut bacteria are similar to that of weeds.
Making significant change is not going to be easy, and it’s not going to be quick. The more that people get involved, the greater the chance we’ll see a major change in the food supply in the next decade. If you’ll be participating in the march, grab some promotional materials from the Organic Consumers Association here, which include leaflets with statistics and information about GMOs and their dangers, as well as posters, banners and bumper stickers that you can get printed. This template from the OCA gives you an opportunity to send a letter to the editor of your local newspaper about the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act, also known as the Deny Americans the Right to Know (DARK) Act by GMO protesters. The DARK Act, if passed by Congress, would deny states the right to pass GMO labeling laws.
Over 26 countries have passed laws banning the use of GMOs in their food supply. Now is the time to stand up globally and make an impact.
