 |
|
Genetically modified soy
|
European consumers are kept in the dark about the fact that the vast majority of this soy is genetically modified (GM) as the current labelling laws do not apply to products from animals fed with GM crops. The majority of soy in Latin America is grown from Monsanto's genetically modified (GM) seed known as Roundup Ready, genetically modified to tolerate Monsanto's Roundup (glyphosate) herbicide. Government data now confirms that reliance on GM has lead to the emergence of herbicide-tolerant weeds. As a result, increased quantities of Roundup, as well as older and more damaging herbicides like 2,4-D (a component of the infamous Agent Orange) and Atrazine (which is banned in the EU for health reasons) have to be used. Glyphosate has become a major source of pollution that contaminates surface water and aquifers, threatens human health and kills other vegetation. Grave health risks have been reported from pesticides that build up in the food chain, and aerial spraying of pesticides by large farms and agri-businesses. Communities living near soy plantations report severe health problems including continuous headaches, skin rashes, stomach problems, increased rates of miscarriage and babies born with malformations. Governmental data from the main soy producing countries clearly indicates that pesticide use does not decrease with the use of GM soy.
|
