The Western Producer
by Karen Briere

Copyright  123RF Stock Photos
Copyright 123RF Stock Photos

French scientist Gilles-Eric Seralini says attempts to discredit him and his research into GMOs and pesticides are negated by the fact his work continues.

Speaking to about 150 people in Regina Nov. 6, Seralini said he and fellow scientists have published new work on pesticide toxicity and are ready to publish more.

“We have republished our study, which was retracted because of dishonesty of the system,” he said.

“We have explained everything in books, in scientific papers, so I think they cannot do too much in front of reality, of truth.”

Seralini’s paper claimed that rats developed tumours from eating genetically modified corn and drinking water contaminated with Roundup.

Originally published by the Food and Chemical Toxicology Journal in 2012, it was retracted late last year after critics claimed the sample size was too small, the wrong rats were used, and definitive conclusions could not be reached.

Earlier this year, the journal Environmental Sciences Europe republished the study, claiming it wanted to enable rational discussion.

Seralini maintains that long-term feeding trials to evaluate the safety of pesticides and GM food is critical to human health. Right now, the trials are conducted on animals.

One person in the crowd expressed concern about the approval of a 2,4-D and glyphosate tank mix and what effects that might have.

Seralini said people must continue to push for transparency.

“Please, do you imagine that we are in the 21st century in one of the most modern continents and no one has seen the blood analysis of these animals that have been used to authorize these products?” he said.

“How is that possible? Concentrate on the blood analysis of the animals that were tested first in order to get the market release of any product and you will see the dishonesty.”

He said those who criticize him have not done research to disprove what he has found.

“Even if they criticize anybody, they cannot put anything in front of the experiment we have done,” he said.

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