A diet containing GM soybean oil damaged the liver and kidney of rats in a new 90-day feeding study. The study provides further proof that GM soy is not substantially equivalent to non-GM soy, meaning that regulatory authorisations given on the assumption of equivalence are invalid. The study was conducted on 18 male rats in three different groups (6 rats per group). One group was fed a diet containing 10% GM soybean oil for 90 days, while the other two groups served as control groups, receiving either non-GM soybean oil or a standard lab diet, respectively. The scientists carried out biochemical analysis of the blood and at the end of the experiment, microscopic tissue analysis (histopathology) of the liver and kidneys. The scientists found that GM soybean oil caused histological abnormalities in the liver, including congestion, necrosis, and bile duct hyperplasia (increased cell production, which may indicate a pre-cancerous state). Similarly, congestion, haemorrhage, and glomerulosclerosis (scarring of small blood vessels) were found in the kidney analysis. Moreover, GM soybean oil significantly increased gamma-glutamyl transferase (a possible sign of liver disease or damage) and insulin (often associated with type 2 diabetes) levels compared to a standard diet. GMWatch

 

 

In Norway, the Institute of Marine Research (IMR) has filed a trial application, in 2023, for genetically modified salmon (VIRGIN® salmon). These salmon, bred in cages in the open sea, would be sterile to prevent them from interbreeding with wild populations in the event of accidental dissemination. However, sterile fish cannot reproduce. This first manipulation would have to be repeated for each generation… hence the idea of using a complementary method that would allow some fish to be fertile, while retaining the initial genetic modification (sterility): a sort of temporary, non-inherited fertility rescue that would allow the sterile trait to be passed on. The Norwegian Environment Agency asked the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and the Environment (VKM) to assess the associated environmental risks. VKM’s opinion was highly critical, stating that there was insufficient evidence to consider the trial safe. In April 2024, after having considered new data, VKM reiterated its negative opinion on this GM salmon trial. Inf'OGM

 

 

Hundreds of food producers and retailers have handed a petition to Hungary’s agriculture minister István Nagy calling for strict labelling requirements for new-generation GM crops, Euronews reported. The GM debate centred around a proposed deregulation that has split European Union (EU) governments, the report said. In the open letter to Nagy, retailers warned that without labelling requirements for food made from a new class of "GMO-lite" crops, consumers would be deprived of choice and the organic sector could face an existential threat, Euronews wrote. Oils & Fats International

 

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