Researchers Examine Effects of GM Corn on Mammalian Health

French researchers with the Committee of Independent Research and Information on Genetic Engineering (CRIIGEN), the University of Rouen and the University of Caen have published a paper allegedly linking genetically modified (GM) corn varieties to “new side effects” in mammals. Joël Spiroux de Vendômois, et al., “A Comparison of the Effects of Three GM Corn Varieties on Mammalian Health,” International Journal of Biological Science, December 2009. “[A] comparative analysis of blood and organ system data” from industry-sponsored studies, the paper claims that GM corn-fed rats exhibited “sex- and often dose-dependent” side effects “mostly associated with the kidney and liver, the dietary detoxifying organs,” as well as the “heart, adrenal glands, spleen and hematopoietic system.” The authors concluded that “these data highlight signs of hepatorenal toxicity, possibly due to the new pesticides specific to each GM corn,” adding that “unintended direct or indirect metabolic consequences of the genetic modification cannot be excluded.” See CRIIGEN Press Release, December 14, 2009.