Genetically modified organisms are plants or animals whose genetic material has been altered, genetic characteristics have been modified artificially in order to give them a new property. A Genetically modified food to be placed on the market needs a double safety assessment: for environmental standards and to be used as food. Several research studies consider GMO`s dangerous for human health and for the environment, but large and extremely powerful companies, are involved in the GMO business and their lobbying is decisive in Washington and Brussels. The American Academy of Environmental Medicine reported that “Several animal studies indicate serious health risks associated with GM food” including infertility, immune problems, accelerated aging, faulty insulin regulation, and changes in major organs and the gastrointestinal system. The AAEM asked physicians to advise patients to avoid GM foods. In the USA now the FDA allows GMO into food without any labeling obligation. In EU law there is the labeling obligation to inform consumers that GMO are in food. However, in April 2014 the European Parliament adopted amendments on the Honey Directive making GM labeling not mandatory. This means that honey containing genetically modified pollen will not have to be labeled, this is very misleading for consumers. In addition, such a decision goes against the requirements of EU Regulations on GMO`s and, above all, there is no respect for the consumers` right to be informed about the product they are going to buy. Lobbying power, again!

[ezcol_1third]Open letter on GMO authorisations[/ezcol_1third] [ezcol_2third_end]