GM corn Discovery of contaminated seeds

Genmais: Recovered contaminated seeds

01/04/2011

Almost a year after the gene corn scandal in Lower Saxony, authorities have again found genetically engineered trace elements in seed samples. Out of 60 samples, exactly 6 samples contained genetically modified tracks.

As reported by the State Environment Ministry of Lower Saxony, the affected agricultural companies were informed. According to the ministry, the companies immediately recalled the contaminated seeds. Five affected samples came from Hungary, a contaminated seed from Austria.

Although there is a strict ban on genetically modified seeds across the EU, it happens again and again that authorities discover genetically contaminated seeds. Last year, GM seed was inadvertently seeded in seven federal states. Niedersachsen had warned far too late about the mixed seeds after the discovery. The fields had later to be plowed back to the suffering of the farmers.

Across Europe a zero tolerance applies for seeds with admixtures of unauthorized genetically modified shares. The monitoring is the responsibility of the individual agricultural and environmental authorities of the Länder. At the end of March, the authorities will provide information as to whether the seed can be sown. Before that, extensive analyzes are carried out to prevent the seeding of GM maize.

Significant health risks from GM maize
Independent studies came to the conclusion that the corn variant „ can lead to serious liver changes and renal blood levels. In addition, negative changes of heart, spleen adrenal glands were found. Depending on the gene maize variant, the changes in the blood count varied. The study results were published by the end of 2009 „Committee for Research and Independent Information on Genetic Engineering“ released. (Sb)

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Image: Bobby Butcher