Erin Brockovich: The Biotech Industry Is Jeopardizing Our Health

[villager]

<snip>

In detailed comments submitted to the FDA, Michael Hansen, senior scientist at Consumers Union, argues the FDA review process was based on “sloppy science” and the genetically engineered salmon could pose many risks. “Because FDA’s assessment is inadequate, we are particularly concerned that this salmon may pose an increased risk of severe, even life-threatening allergic reactions to sensitive individuals,” he writes.

Hansen also notes that “this analysis does not conform to FDA standard for assessment of a New Animal Drug.” That’s right, the genetically engineered salmon is being regulated as an “animal drug“—not a food, an “animal drug.” Here lies the inherent hypocrisy plaguing our regulatory agencies. The FDA does not label genetically engineered foods, including the newly approved salmon, because they have deemed them “substantially equivalent” to their non-genetically engineered counterparts. In essence, they are not different enough to be labeled. Yet they are so different that they are the first organisms in history to be patented. The logic is confounding.

The FDA, whose mission is “protecting and promoting your health,” has failed consumers by approving the commercialization of genetically engineered salmon. Not only has it used inadequate science, but it has also turned its backs on the majority of Americans who believe they have a fundamental right to know what is in their food. A 2013 New York Times poll found that 93% of Americans want GMOs to be labeled. More than 60 countries label GMOs, and in some cases even ban them, but the U.S. still does not.

To my dismay, genetically modified seeds have not undergone any long-term safety testing by the FDA on animals or humans, and the scientific community remains divided on their safety. I’m shocked by those who think that to question GMOs is “anti-science.” This gross mischaracterization must be put into question if we are to ensure food democracy.

Some of the most respected scientific bodies in the world including Codex Alimentarius (jointly run by the World Health Organization and the Food and Agricultural organization of the U.N.), The American Medical Association, The British Medical Association and the American Public Health Association, have stated that, through pre-market safety assessments, more research needs to be done on GMOs before we can truthfully determine their safety.

In addition, since genetically modified crops are married to the chemicals sprayed on them, their consumption poses an overwhelming array of potential risks. According to a 2012 study published in Environmental Sciences Europe, GMO herbicide-tolerant crops have led to a 527 million pound increase in herbicide use in the U.S. between 1996 and 2011. The World Health Organization recently concluded that glyphosate, the main ingredient in the most-used herbicide on GMOs, is “probably carcinogenic to humans.” One study found glyphosate in 60% to 100% of the rain water in some agricultural areas. More than 3,200 elementary schools are within 1,000 feet of genetically modified corn or soybean fields—what will be the effects of these toxic chemicals on children?

<snip>

http://time.com/4129785/erin-brockovich-gmos/

[immoderate]

1. 'I’m shocked by those who think that to question GMOs is “anti-science.”'

She must have sampled the self righteous 'guardians of scientism' here at DU.

--imm

[villager]

2. What's really hilarious is how many of them are self-styled "skeptics," given the "whole hogs,"

...they've been swallowing...

[Buzz Clik]

3. Really? Erin Brockovich is now giving us science/health advice?

Holy shit.

[villager]

4. Actually, when it comes to how much we should trust corporate profit motives, she has you beat

...by several country miles.

[Buzz Clik]

5. Oh, snap!!!!!111

You have no clue who I am or what I do, but I do appreciate your pathetic attempt to insult me.

Regardless, Brockovich is a one trick pony who now sells her personality. It's a good gig if you can get it, but.... damn.

[villager]

6. Speaking of one-trick ponies, Buzz Clik....

[Buzz Clik]

7. Lame.

Go ahead and hitch your wagon to an Associate Degree in Applied Arts who now is a professional representative in litigation.

Happy trails!

[villager]

9. And you keep hitchin' to the corporations!

[Buzz Clik]

10. No. I trust the science performed by scientists and rigorously reviewed.

My opinions take a long time to form and are based on hard facts, not the emotional outpourings of some pop icon.

[villager]

11. Ah, no. You're one of the most emotional posters we have on this subject.

[Buzz Clik]

12. Yeah. I'm the one predicting the death of all of us from eating GMO foods.

Good call.

[villager]

13. Instead of an emotional/elitist rant against Brokovich, why not respond to the actual points

...in the OP?

[Buzz Clik]

14. Love your style.

I have made this my policy: I will not argue scientific points with people who have no scientific training. As a corollary to that, I do not waste my time debating opinions written by people who are unqualified to venture such opinions.

Erin Brockovich is not qualified to comment on health impacts of GMOs. Period. It is her constitutional right to voice her opinion, but the Constitution does nothing to guarantee that she knows what she's talking about.

If you find it "elitist" of me to dismiss her due to her complete lack of credibility, so be it. I've been similarly criticized by a legion of knuckledraggers who think they understand why climate change is a hoax.

[villager]

15. "I will not argue scientific points with people who have no scientific training" Ah, elitism coupled

...with "the dodge."

Got it.

[Buzz Clik]

16. You wanted to know why I refuse to discuss Brockovich's bullshit, and now you know why.

She graduated from Lawrence High School, then attended Kansas State University, in Manhattan, Kansas, and graduated with an Associate in Applied Arts Degree from Wade College in Dallas, Texas. She worked as a management trainee for Kmart in 1981 but quit after a few months and entered a beauty pageant. She won Miss Pacific Coast in 1981 and left the beauty pageant after the win.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erin_Brockovich

Yeah. That's why.

This isn't a dodge. If you didn't want the answer, you should not have asked the question.

[villager]

17. So, you've been on the opposite side of all her work then?

[Buzz Clik]

18. "Her work"? Her "work" is litigation.

I'm not a lawyer, so the answer to your question is NO.

[villager]

19. And you've been on the side of those she's litigated against, due to your views on "expertise"

...and who among is is entitled to speak out, etc?

[cprise]

8. The only thing I disagree with here

is how she seems to completely focus on the health of people... the wider environment doesn't seem to concern her. Yet, GMOs are a threat to the biosphere, too.