Selling before Telling: Why the Government Needs to Take a Second Look at Genetically Engineered Foods

Abstract

This article documents the early warning signs of health and environmental dangers of DDT, vinyl chloride, and leaded gasoline. In each case, industry scientists and/or public health officials warned of potential hazards but their advice was ignored at great cost to human health and the environment. Now, genetically engineered (GE) foods have been introduced to our food supply and exhibit many of the same early warning signs. Leaded gasoline was sold in the United States from 1923 through 1986. The additive was introduced without safety testing even though it was known that lead was neurotoxic. Industry efforts kept the federal government from studying or banning leaded gasoline for decades. Leaded gasoline released millions of tons of lead into the air. Lead can cause brain damage and even death. Vinyl chloride, used to make PVC plastic, has a similar history. When scientific studies confirmed that vinyl chloride was a carcinogen, industry representatives signed a secrecy agreement to keep the information from becoming public. DDT was used all over the United States to kill unwanted pests. Evidence of DDT's environmental and health impacts began to emerge in the 1950s. DDT is now deemed a probable human carcinogen, suspected of causing liver damage, and blamed for triggering premature births. GE foods have been introduced into our food supply with no required safety testing. Initial independent studies indicate that GE foods can trigger unexpected or unknown allergic reactions, may damage organs and immune system, can contaminate neighboring crops, and may cause ecological damage. Yet, industry studies about GE food products are considered proprietary and are not available for peer review or public scrutiny.

In reaction to the rejection of GE foods by many European countries and companies, the biotechnology industry is waging a massive propaganda effort in the United States. But when it comes to our food supply, we should not take any health or safety risks. We make these recommendations:

Hold biotechnology companies liable for any harm that comes from the use of GE foods. This will give them a financial incentive to ensure that GE foods are safe and provide compensation to any future victims

Place a moratorium on GE foods until they are proven safe through independent, long-term testing for health and environmental impacts

Require labeling of all GE foods that are proven safe to give consumers the right to know and choose