(Photo: msdonnalee/ Flickr)
Jun 28, 2013
In a little reported development, the Environmental Protection Agency last week issued a new rule raising the allowable concentration of Monsanto's herbicide glyphosate, otherwise known as Roundup, on food crops, animal feed and edible oils
Despite the proven risk, this ruling is clearly a result of successful lobbying effort on the part of the Ag Giant to raise the residue limits of this toxic chemical.
"Glyphosate has been shown in several recent studies to be an endocrine disruptor," writes the Cornucopia Institute, in a statement about the news. "According to the National Institutes of Health, endocrine disruptors could have long-term effects on public health, especially reproductive health. And the 'dose makes the poison' rule does not apply to endocrine disruptors, which wreak havoc on our bodies at low doses."
They continue:
A June 2013 study concluded that glyphosate "exerted proliferative effects in human hormone-dependent breast cancer." An April 2013 study by an MIT scientist concluded that "glyphosate enhances the damaging effects of other food borne chemical residues and environmental toxins," and pointed out that glyphosate's "negative impact on the body is insidious and manifests slowly over time as inflammation damages cellular systems throughout the body."
The new regulations permit concentrations higher than the levels some scientists belive are carcinogenic, the Food Poisoning Bulletinadds.
Under the new regulation, fruits can have concentrations from 200 ppb to 500 ppb glyphosate, oilseed crops can contain up to 40 ppm (40,000 ppb) glyphosate, and root crops such as potatoes and beets can contain 6000 ppb glyphosate. Animal feed can contain up to 100 ppm (100,000 ppb) glyphosate.
Why Your Ongoing Support Is Essential
Donald Trump’s attacks on democracy, justice, and a free press are escalating — putting everything we stand for at risk. We believe a better world is possible, but we can’t get there without your support. Common Dreams stands apart. We answer only to you — our readers, activists, and changemakers — not to billionaires or corporations. Our independence allows us to cover the vital stories that others won’t, spotlighting movements for peace, equality, and human rights. Right now, our work faces unprecedented challenges. Misinformation is spreading, journalists are under attack, and financial pressures are mounting. As a reader-supported, nonprofit newsroom, your support is crucial to keep this journalism alive. Whatever you can give — $10, $25, or $100 — helps us stay strong and responsive when the world needs us most. Together, we’ll continue to build the independent, courageous journalism our movement relies on. Thank you for being part of this community. |
Our work is licensed under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0). Feel free to republish and share widely.
In a little reported development, the Environmental Protection Agency last week issued a new rule raising the allowable concentration of Monsanto's herbicide glyphosate, otherwise known as Roundup, on food crops, animal feed and edible oils
Despite the proven risk, this ruling is clearly a result of successful lobbying effort on the part of the Ag Giant to raise the residue limits of this toxic chemical.
"Glyphosate has been shown in several recent studies to be an endocrine disruptor," writes the Cornucopia Institute, in a statement about the news. "According to the National Institutes of Health, endocrine disruptors could have long-term effects on public health, especially reproductive health. And the 'dose makes the poison' rule does not apply to endocrine disruptors, which wreak havoc on our bodies at low doses."
They continue:
A June 2013 study concluded that glyphosate "exerted proliferative effects in human hormone-dependent breast cancer." An April 2013 study by an MIT scientist concluded that "glyphosate enhances the damaging effects of other food borne chemical residues and environmental toxins," and pointed out that glyphosate's "negative impact on the body is insidious and manifests slowly over time as inflammation damages cellular systems throughout the body."
The new regulations permit concentrations higher than the levels some scientists belive are carcinogenic, the Food Poisoning Bulletinadds.
Under the new regulation, fruits can have concentrations from 200 ppb to 500 ppb glyphosate, oilseed crops can contain up to 40 ppm (40,000 ppb) glyphosate, and root crops such as potatoes and beets can contain 6000 ppb glyphosate. Animal feed can contain up to 100 ppm (100,000 ppb) glyphosate.
In a little reported development, the Environmental Protection Agency last week issued a new rule raising the allowable concentration of Monsanto's herbicide glyphosate, otherwise known as Roundup, on food crops, animal feed and edible oils
Despite the proven risk, this ruling is clearly a result of successful lobbying effort on the part of the Ag Giant to raise the residue limits of this toxic chemical.
"Glyphosate has been shown in several recent studies to be an endocrine disruptor," writes the Cornucopia Institute, in a statement about the news. "According to the National Institutes of Health, endocrine disruptors could have long-term effects on public health, especially reproductive health. And the 'dose makes the poison' rule does not apply to endocrine disruptors, which wreak havoc on our bodies at low doses."
They continue:
A June 2013 study concluded that glyphosate "exerted proliferative effects in human hormone-dependent breast cancer." An April 2013 study by an MIT scientist concluded that "glyphosate enhances the damaging effects of other food borne chemical residues and environmental toxins," and pointed out that glyphosate's "negative impact on the body is insidious and manifests slowly over time as inflammation damages cellular systems throughout the body."
The new regulations permit concentrations higher than the levels some scientists belive are carcinogenic, the Food Poisoning Bulletinadds.
Under the new regulation, fruits can have concentrations from 200 ppb to 500 ppb glyphosate, oilseed crops can contain up to 40 ppm (40,000 ppb) glyphosate, and root crops such as potatoes and beets can contain 6000 ppb glyphosate. Animal feed can contain up to 100 ppm (100,000 ppb) glyphosate.
We've had enough. The 1% own and operate the corporate media. They are doing everything they can to defend the status quo, squash dissent and protect the wealthy and the powerful. The Common Dreams media model is different. We cover the news that matters to the 99%. Our mission? To inform. To inspire. To ignite change for the common good. How? Nonprofit. Independent. Reader-supported. Free to read. Free to republish. Free to share. With no advertising. No paywalls. No selling of your data. Thousands of small donations fund our newsroom and allow us to continue publishing. Can you chip in? We can't do it without you. Thank you.