The rats heard around the world (#GMOMonday)

Last week, I examined a study involving feeding genetically modified corn to tumor-prone rats. Almost immediately after its release, the study raised all sorts of red flags with scientists and researchers who found fatal flaws in its methods and conclusions. But in a lie-gets-halfway-around-the-world-before-the-truth-has-a-chance-to-get-its-pants-on-moment, the study, and the frightening photos of rats contained within, were suddenly being taken seriously.

As a result of the study, Russia temporarily banned the import of any genetically modified corn. Although Russia quickly lifted the ban once it was realized the study was a hoax, other countries, such as Kenya, still cite the study as a reason why they will continue their ban on GM crops, even a year later.

In America, others, such as Jeremy Seifert, director of an anti-GMO documentary film, cited the study as reason to believe that genetically modified foods could be responsible for ill health in humans. And Michael Hansen, a scientist for the Consumer’s Union, cited the study in testimony to the New York Assembly this summer. He advocated that any product containing genetically modified ingredients should be slapped with a mandatory label because, among other things, of the possible “unintended consequences” of eating genetically modified foods. Referring to the rat study in that testimony, he said: “Last October [sic] there was a long term two year feeding study that found that GE corn caused tumors and premature death.”

It’s troubling to me that this terrible study is continuing to be taken seriously—anytime I see people relying on bad science to make an argument, I always step back and question their motives.

But as troubling as it is to see people citing the study over a year later, what’s even more disturbing are the pictures of tumor laden rats that just won’t go away.I’ll be discussing those pictures next.

Image credit: Caroline via Compfight

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