Milling & Baking News - October 02, 2012 - 11

Study further elevates controversy over agricultural biotechnology
PARIS — A French study questioning the safety of genetically modified corn has attracted a skeptical response in the scientific community. Still, critics of agricultural biotechnology, including supporters of Proposition 37 in California, have cited the study. Researchers at a French university conducted the two-year study. The lead researcher, Gilles-Eric Seralini of the University of Caen, has been a controversial critic of agricultural biotechnology for some time. The study was published in the Sept. 19 issue of Food and Chemical Toxicology. The researchers said rats fed a diet of Roundup Ready corn sprayed with Monsanto Co. Roundup or that drank water with Roundup at levels comparable to what is found in U.S. tap water were likely to develop health problems and then die earlier than a control group. In the study, 50% of male and 70% of female rats died prematurely, versus only 30% and 20%, respectively, in the control group, the researchers said. Mammary tumors and liver and kidney damage were among the health problems identified. VIB, the Flanders Institute of Biotechnology, said the lead researcher has a track record of claims about bioengineered grains that have proven unsubstantiated. “Seralini has published similar accounts before, but not one of them has withstood scientific scrutiny,” VIB said. “That is because he draws conclusions that cannot be derived from the data. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has examined Seralini’s previous study about GM maize for the European Commission. His conclusions were not followed on the basis of sound scientific elements and the EFSA repeated its recommendations concerning GM maize.” Indeed in a 2009 study published in the International Journal of Biological Sciences, Dr. Seralini and other researchers

the Dr. Seralini’s team of going on a “statistical fishing trip.” Still, Russia was indicated to have temporarily banned imports of Monsanto’s NK603 corn, pending an evaluation of the study. The African Centre for Biosafety, a critic of agricultural biotechnology, has called for a ban of bioengineered corn in South Africa, where the technology is allowed and widely utilized. In the United States, the study comes against the backdrop of Proposition 37, a California ballot initiative that would

Monsanto’s take on French study
Monsanto cited what is called a number of following shortcomings in the research: • Research protocol does not meet OECD standards • Source and quality of corn used is unclear. • Critical details on diet preparation and dietary intake are absent. • Complete lack of data pertaining to assertions of liver or kidney histopathology, liver function tests, and cytochrome activity. • Lack of any statistical analysis for mortality or tumor incidence endpoints. • Mortality rates and tumor incidence in all groups fall within historical norms for this strain of laboratory rats, which is known for a high incidence of tumors. • Data presented are highly sporadic, using different methods for male and female animals, and are not sufﬁcient to support conclusions drawn. • There is a lack of dose-response relationship throughout the study. MBN studying three varieties of bioengineered corn found “signs of hepatorenal (pertaining to liver and kidney) toxicity, possibly due to the new pesticides specific to each GM corn.” In its critique of the study, Monsanto said “there is no plausible mechanism for the results reported with genetically modified maize, and the results are inconsistent with an extensive body of experience and scientific study.” Press accounts have cited a number of independent scientists voicing skepticism. Reuters cited one accusing require labeling of products with genetically engineered ingredients. “There is a giant question mark hanging over these foods and their health risks,” said Gary Ruskin, the manager of a campaign working in favor of Proposition 37 passage. “For those of us in California, the case for labeling of genetically engineered foods has never been stronger.” In a story on Sept. 27, the Los Angeles Times cited polling data indicating the initiative is likely to pass with Californians currently favoring the proposal by a two-to-one margin. MBN Ham and Oscar Mayer Beef Bologna also have 25% less sodium, and Kraft Singles American Slices have 18% less sodium than they did previously. In total, Kraft has reduced sodium in more than 1,000 stock-keeping units in 24 different product categories. The company offers more than 100 products with either low, reduced or no sodium, including Oscar Mayer Lower Sodium Bacon; Planters Lightly Salted Nuts; and Hint of Salt crackers, including Triscuits, Ritz and Wheat Thins. MBN
Milling & Baking News October 2, 2012 / 11

Kraft Foods making progress toward sodium reduction goals
NORTHFIELD, ILL. — Kraft Foods Inc. is on track to complete a threeyear project to reduce sodium by an average of 10% across its North American portfolio by the end of the year. “Sodium plays several important roles in food, including enhancing taste and texture as well as helping keep products fresh,” said Russ Moroz, vice-president of research, development and quality. “But our scientists and product developers also know more than half of North Americans are interested in lowering their sodium intake. So we worked hard to
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make meaningful reductions in sodium without sacrificing the taste, quality or safety of some of North America’s favorite foods.” Among other products, Kraft Original BBQ Sauce has been updated with a 40% sodium reduction, Kraft Easy Mac Cups Original and Triple Cheese now have 30% less sodium, Teddy Grahams Honey Graham snacks now have 25% less sodium, Oscar Mayer Deli-Fresh Smoked

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Milling & Baking News - October 02, 2012

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