GM WATCH comment: A version of this study was apaprently used by Monsanto to gain approval from the Russian authorities for its GM potatoes to go into the food chain. So it's a bit rich for Monsanto, now that the full import of the study has come out, to dismiss it as non peer reviewed.

If it was good enough to justify feeding GM potatoes to the Russian people, why isn't it good enough to justify any concern?

Monsanto's spokesman also says, "The overwhelming preponderance of scientific scrutiny during the past decade of safe use, leaves no stone unturned in showing that these improved crops pose no harm to humans, animals or the environment."

This is a total fiction. For a useful analysis of the real state of scientific knowledge about the potential human health effects of GMOs, see 'Genetic Engineering and Omitted Health Research'
http://www.lobbywatch.org/archive2.asp?arcid=7219

EXTRACTS: Biologist Dr Irina Ermakova said it showed that the GM potatoes damaged the kidneys, liver, large gut, blood serum, testes and prostate.

Monsanto insisted that the company always acted transparently and said the research had not been peer-reviewed.

"The approval process for GM crops is never based on peer review but on advocacy," [Dr Brian John] said.
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Monsanto hid GM potato study, campaigners claim
Steve Dube Western Mail, Feb 27 2007 http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/farming/farming/tm_headline=monsanto-hid-gm-potatoe-study--campaigners-claim&method=full&objectid=18679893&siteid=50082-name_page.html

ONE of the world's leading biotechnology companies has been accused of suppressing a study of genetically modified potatoes that showed they damaged the internal organs of rats.

Campaign group GM Free Cymru said research into Monsanto GM NewLeaf potatoes by the Institute of Nutrition of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences only emerged after a lengthy legal battle.

It was delivered to the company in 1998, the same year that the variety was deregulated in the United States and at the same time as research by Arpad Pusztai in the Rowett Institute reached a similar conclusion. Dr Pusztai was vilified and his research funding stopped by the UK Government.

Dr Brian John of GM Free Cymru said the study only came to light this month after a protracted legal campaign by Greenpeace and other consumer groups in Russia.

Biologist Dr Irina Ermakova said it showed that the GM potatoes damaged the kidneys, liver, large gut, blood serum, testes and prostate.

The GM potatoes were the most dangerous of the feeds used in the trials... and on the basis of this evidence they cannot be used in the nourishment of people."

Monsanto insisted that the company always acted transparently and said the research had not been peer-reviewed.

Company spokesman Tony Combes said, "Monsanto acts transparently and will continue to post on its website product safety summaries that support the food, feed and environmental safety of our products.

"The overwhelming preponderance of scientific scrutiny during the past decade of safe use, leaves no stone unturned in showing that these improved crops pose no harm to humans, animals or the environment."

Dr John said Monsanto seems to have left at least one stone unturned by not publishing the study and checking its results.

"The approval process for GM crops is never based on peer review but on advocacy," he said.

"But when independent scientists try to do research, biotech companies refuse to supply the material on the grounds of commercial confidentiality."

Gordon James of Friends of the Earth Cymru said the revelations were "a serious indictment" of Monsanto and said the UK government should halt forthcoming trials of GM potatoes in the UK until the research from the Russian Academy is fully assessed.

"This news should also act as a strong incentive for the Welsh Assembly Government to do all in its power to prevent GM crops from being cultivated in Wales," he said.

FoE Cymru and the Farmers Union of Wales are preparing to host a debate on GM crops, featuring speakers from both sides of the divide, at this year's Royal Welsh Show in July.

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