The French authors Vendômois, Roullier, Cellier and Séralini studied how the health of rats was effected when their diet contained three varieties of genetically modified corn (published in International Journal of Biological Sciences, 2009; 5(7):706-726). They found “a clear negative impact on the function of the kidneys and livers in rats consuming GM maize varieties for just 90 days.”

All three GM (genetically modified) corn varieties contain novel pesticide residues that is present in food and feed made from this corn.

The authors summarize their results: “Our analysis clearly reveals for the 3 GMOs new side effects linked with GM maize consumption, which were sex- and often dose-dependent. Effects were mostly associated with the kidney and liver, the dietary detoxifying organs, although different between the 3 GMOs. Other effects were also noticed in the heart, adrenal glands, spleen and haematopoietic system. We conclude that these data highlight signs of hepatorenal toxicity, possibly due to the new pesticides specific to each GM corn. In addition, unintended direct or indirect metabolic consequences of the genetic modification cannot be excluded.”

”Natural” (i.e., non-GM) corn is a great food source for several pet species, but only certified organic corn is verifyably GM-free. Considering the data presented in above study, it is worthwhile to look for organic corn if you want to add it to your pet”s diet.

Sadly, most all US corn is genetically engineered. However, if you see signs of organic certification (either a certified organic claim or the USDA organic seal) on a product, you can be assured that it wasn”t genetically engineered (in addition that it wasn”t doused in pesticides).

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 at 5:20 pm and is filed under Organic Pet Food Standards. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.