HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0393.400 2012-2014 Page 1 of 1
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From: Judson Parker[judsonparker @gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, November 05, 2013 11:07 AM
2013 NOV 15 AM 10: 49
To: counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: There is no scientific consensus on GMO safety
Hello,
I know the biotech industry touts the supposed "scientific consensus" on the safety of GM crops, but in
reality there is no consensus on their safety for human and animal consumption or environmental
impact. I am writing to you today to help you be informed before your decision today.
* More than 230 independent scientists, including the developer of the first commercial GM crop, say there is**no scientific
consensus**on GMO safety: http/Iwww.ensser.org/media/06131_
*World Health Organization, UNEP, FAO, UNESCO and other global science organizations say that say GMOs AREN'T
proven safe:http_//www.unep.org/dewa/Assessments/Ecosystems/iAASTDItabid
"The safety of GMO foods and feed is controversial due to limited available data, particularly for long-term nutritional
consumption and chronic exposure. Food safety is a major issue... concerns include alteration in nutritional quality of foods,
toxicity, antibiotic resistance, and allergenicity from consuming GM foods.The concepts and techniques used for evaluating
food and feed safety have been outlined, but the approval process of GM crops is considered inadequate."
* Last year, the American Medical Association changed their stance (http://www.ama-assn.org/resources/doc/csaph/a12-
csaph2-bioengineeredfoods.pdf)on GMOs from one of total neutrality to actually calling for mandatory pre-market safety
testing, citing concerns like allergenicity, antibiotic resistance from use of genetic markers, and horizontal gene transfer. In
fact, the council was split on the issue and was very close to adopting a stance in favor of labeling, but compromised on pre-
market safety testing.
"We also urge the FDA to remain alert to new data on the health consequences of bioengineered foods."-AMA board
member Dr. Patrice Harris.
*Many other groups like the American Public Health Association
(http://www apha org/advocacy/policy/policysearch/default.htm?id=260) and many state medical associations like the
California Medical Association (http:/Ilahelgmoscv.wordpress,com/2012/01/31Icalifor nia-medical-associations-current--policy-
statement-supporting-the--labeling-of-gmosi) have adopted very particular stances in favor of GMO labeling due to the lack of
independent verified research on GMO safety.
*700 studies questioning safety of GMOs and their component agricultural chemicals: http//gmofreeusa org//gmo-science/
Thank you for your time,
Judson Parker
Comm. No. 43 q3' 4100
Ref.To: PlC'U/tti/
Ref. Dote NOV 1 9 2013
11/15/2013