An article from Tagesspiegel Background covers the working session of the Council of the EU on 19 July. The session dealt with the "non-paper" from Hungary (the current Presidency of the Council), which raised many important questions about the proposal from the Commission to deregulate new GMOs (new genomic techniques, NGTs). While GMWatch considers the "non-paper" (it's called that because it's informal) to be science-based and precautionary, the Tagesspiegel Background report portrays its reception negatively. We don't know how much of this negativity reflects just Tagesspiegel's own stance and how much is simply factual reporting. But if it is the latter, the situation looks bad for citizens and the environment. Over the twelve pages of the "non-paper", the Hungarian Presidency had outlined fundamental questions and concerns about the deregulation proposals. But according to Tagesspiegel Background, "In the relevant preparatory body of the Council, this was anything but well received by most member delegations." GMWatch

 

 

A systematic review on the effects of glyphosate exposure on intestinal microbiota, metabolism and microstructure finds that glyphosate and its formulations are able to induce intestinal dysbiosis by altering bacterial metabolism, intestinal permeability, and mucus secretion, as well as causing damage to the microvilli and the intestinal lumen. Additionally, immunological, enzymatic and genetic changes were also observed in the animal models. At the metabolic level, damage was observed in lipid and energy metabolism, the circulatory system, cofactor and vitamin metabolism, and replication, repair, and translation processes. The authors conclude that the types of alterations caused by glyphosate-based herbicides can lead to intestinal and systemic diseases, such as Crohn's and Alzheimer's. Food & Function

 

 

GMO cowpea — just approved as Ghana's first GMO for cultivation — has long been pushed by AATF, an industry front group facilitating the transfer of GMO crops into Africa. Funders include the Gates Foundation. For more on the AATF, see this. GMWatch on X, commenting on articles in The Conversation and Nigerian Tribune

 

 

There's no need for GMO gene drives to control non-native grey squirrels in Britain. Research shows the increase and spread of goshawks and pine martens is linked to rises in red squirrel numbers. GMWatch on X, commenting on article in BirdGuides

 

We hope you’ve found this newsletter interesting. Please support our work with a one-off or regular donation. Thank you!