IMMEDIATE RELEASE (November 13, 2008)

(Los Angeles, CA.) – A long-term feeding study
commissioned by the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, managed
by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Health, Family and Youth, and
carried out by Veterinary University Vienna, confirms genetically
modified (GM) corn seriously affects reproductive health in mice.
Non-GMO advocates, who have warned about this infertility link along
with other health risks, now seek an immediate ban of all GM foods and
GM crops to protect the health of humankind and the fertility of women
around the world.

Feeding mice with
genetically modified corn developed by the US-based Monsanto
Corporation led to lower fertility and body weight, according to the
study conducted by the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna. Lead author of the study Professor Zentek said, there was a direct link between the decrease in fertility and the GM diet, and that mice fed with non-GE corn reproduced more efficiently.

In the study, Austrian scientists
performed several long-term feeding trials over 20 weeks with
laboratory mice fed a diet containing 33% of a GM variety (NK 603 x MON
810), or a closely related non-GE variety used in many countries.
Statistically significant litter size and pup weight decreases were
found in the third and fourth litters in the GM-fed mice, compared to
the control group.  

The
corn is genetically modified with genes that produce a pesticidal
toxin, as well as genes that allow it to survive applications of
Monsanto’s herbicide Roundup.

A book by author Jeffrey M. Smith, Genetic Roulette,
distributed to members of congress last year, documents 65 serious
health risks of GM products, including similar fertility problems with
GM soy and GM corn: Offspring of rats fed GM soy showed a five-fold
increase in mortality, lower birth weights, and the inability to
reproduce. Male mice fed GM soy had damaged young sperm cells. The
embryo offspring of GM soy-fed mice had altered DNA functioning.
Several US farmers reported sterility or fertility problems among pigs
and cows fed on GM corn varieties. Additionally, over the last two
months, investigators in India have documented fertility problems,
abortions, premature births, and other serious health issues, including
deaths, among buffaloes fed GM cottonseed products.

The
principle GM crops are soy, corn, cottonseed and canola. GM sugar from
sugar beets will also be introduced before year’s end.

Mr.
Smith, who is also the Executive Director of the Institute for
Responsible Technology says, “GM foods are likely responsible for
several negative health trends in the US. The government must impose an
immediate ban on these dangerous crops.” He says, “Consumers don’t need
to wait for governmental action. They can download a free Non-GMO
Shopping Guide at www.HealthierEating.org  www.HealthierEating.org.”

Monsanto press offices in the UK and USA were unable to provide a comment on the findings for journalists yesterday.

The
Institute for Responsible Technology’s Campaign for Healthier Eating in
America mobilizes citizens, organizations, businesses, and the media,
to achieve the tipping point of consumer rejection of genetically
modified foods.

The Institute educates people
about the documented health risks of GMOs and provides them with
healthier non-GMO product choices.

The
Institute also informs policy makers and the public around the world
about the impacts of GMOs on health, environment, the economy, and
agriculture, and the problems associated with current research,
regulation, corporate practices, and reporting.

               ###

Institute For Responsible Technology
Media Contact: NJ Jaeger
Expert Contact: Jeffrey M. Smith
Email: njmail@cox.net
Phone: +1-310-377-0915

Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety
Corporate Communication: Univ.-Doz. Ingrid Kiefer
Tel: +43 50 555-25000; E-Mail: ingrid.kiefer@ages.at 

Links

Austrian Study: http://www.ages.at/ueber-uns/presse/pressemeldungen/klarstellung-zu-neuen-er
Institute for Responsible Technology: http://responsibletechnology.org 
Non-GMO Shopping Guide: http://www.responsibletechnology.org/DocumentFiles/144.pdf 
Genetic Roulette: http://www.geneticroulette.com