Roundup’s Glyphosate on the EPA’s Radar—Finally!

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By Catherine J. Frompovich

Monsanto’s herbicide Roundup® just may be heading for a roundup at the U.S. EPA! How’d that happen after all these years of being declared safe enough to drink? Did public relations person Patrick Moore have any influence when he refused to drink a glass of Roundup offered to him while being interviewed about a GMO crop, golden rice? As he said, “I’m not an idiot!” Hmmm.

Roundup also has been used in an ‘off-label’ way, i.e., to commit suicide, and contrary to Patrick Moore’s denial. Global Research reports:

According to figures outlining farmer suicide rates, 17,638 Indian farmers committed suicide in 2009 — about one death every 30 minutes. Oftentimes, the farmers would commit the act by drinking the very same insecticide that Monsanto supplied them with — a terrible end in which Monsanto has wrecked the lives of independent and traditional farmers. [CJF emphasis added. No wonder Moore refused a glass of Roundup!]

Why did WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) take so long to issue a statement in which glyphosate (the main component of Roundup) was classified as “probably carcinogenic” to humans and as “sufficiently demonstrated” for genotoxicity [the ability of a chemical property/agent to cause damage to genetic information within a cell that can cause mutations which can lead to cancer] in animals? Aren’t humans also classified as the animal kingdom? We certainly aren’t plants! Although some people actually are ‘plants’ for certain vested interests.

There are 8 Roundup formulations which should be in the EPA’s cross hairs, and rightfully so, since glyphosate has come under scrutiny as a possible human carcinogen. So, how long have consumers been using it liberally, only to find out at this late date, that we probably were spraying ‘liquid cancer’?

However, conscientious consumers need to ask, “Did Monsanto know 35 years ago that there was the glyphosate—cancer link?” [1] Global Research News contends that

According to evidence unearthed from the archives of the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) in the United States, it has been established that Monsanto was fully aware of the potential of glyphosate to cause cancer in mammals as long ago as 1981. [2]

The photograph below indicates what Roundup can do to human skin. What, then, does glyphosate residues do to the human digestive tract, including the stomach and pancreas, when we drink or eat glyphosate residue in ppm [parts per million] that are permitted in food and potable water sources? What, though, is the result of the cumulative ppm consumed since glyphosate residues have been found in many GMO crops that have been tested to date.

Blister caused by Roundup (Glyphosate). Photo by Tael (CC) – Source

Nothing ought to be more convincing for eating organically grown foods, which cannot be sprayed with Roundup or other horrendous herbicides, plus the absolute need for a very effective water filtering system, than to stay away from herbicides and pesticides. If readers have private well water, make certain you have it assayed for Roundup residue and radioactivity too!

Moms Across America provides a resource for testing for glyphosate, and is looking for help here.

The Forensic Food Lab also may be another resource, especially regarding other toxins in foods.

Food Safety News reports that

Testing for glyphosate residue has not been systematically done by the federal government so far because the herbicide has been considered safe for use on food crops. However, a recent report from the World Health Organization’s research arm, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, stated that glyphosate is “probably carcinogenic to humans.” [CJF emphasis added] [3]

Since Roundup was touted as equivalent to ‘the best thing since sliced white bread’ in herbicides, let’s take a look at how some countries are dealing with it.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka First Country to Ban Monsanto’s Glyphosate Due to Study on Chronic Kidney Disease
http://naturalsociety.com/breaking-sri-lanka-first-country-ban-monsantos-glyphosate-due-study-chronic-kidney-disease/

See Age Adjusted Acute Renal Failure Death plotted against GE corn and soy and glyphosate applied to corn and soy using USDA, NASS, and CDC sources.

Chart Source

The Netherlands

The Netherlands Says “No” to Monsanto, Bans RoundUp Herbicide
http://inhabitat.com/the-netherlands-says-no-to-monsanto-bans-roundup-herbicide/

El Salvador

In 2013 “El Salvador has voted to ban glyphosate, the pesticide that most GM crops are designed to be grown with, along with 52 other chemicals.”
http://www.gmwatch.org/index.php/news/archive/2013/15066-el-salvador-votes-to-ban-glyphostate

Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently signed the Russian Federation Code of Administrative Offences into law, including a new article establishing liability for the violation of mandatory requirements for the labeling of food products that contain GMOs.

President Putin also said in 2014 that Russia must protect its citizens from over consumption of products containing genetically modified organisms. Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev followed this with a statement that Russia has no intention to import GMOs in the future. [CJF emphasis added. No wonder Putin is “Mr. Bad Guy”—he doesn’t tap dance to the OWO party’s music!] 

See the Resource “It’s the toxic herbicide Roundup and glyphosates, stupid!”
http://rt.com/op-edge/154000-toxic-herbicide-gmo-monsanto/

Mexico

Monsanto Request Removal of Mexican Judge over GM Maize Ban
http://sustainablepulse.com/2014/04/09/monsanto-request-removal-mexican-judge-gm-maize-ban/#.VTaGexRFD9I

According to AllGov,

Canada, Brazil, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands have or will soon impose restrictions or bans on glyphosate, the main ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup weed killer, the most heavily used pesticide in the United States. [4]

Contrary to what U.S. consumers are told by the media regarding toxic sprays in foreign countries, take a read on this from AllGov,

Farm chemicals banned by European and Asian countries are still being used, often in large measure, across the United States. [4] [CJF emphasis added

Glyphosate/Roundup Information Everyone Should Know and Save

Probably the best information regarding glyphosate on the web is that prepared by a medical doctor, Jeff Ritterman, MD, vice president of the board of directors of the SF Bay Chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility. He is the retired chief of cardiology at Kaiser Richmond and a former Richmond, California, city councilman.

Ritterman’s information Will Richmond Reject Monsanto’s Roundup? The Case for Banning Glyphosate is the most comprehensive I’ve come across in my research. It should be used as a prime scientific/medical resource for everyone regarding GMOs and glyphosate/Roundup.

Another thing I particularly like about it is, Dr. Ritterman provides a template to follow for asking/presenting your local government officials a resolution to introduce banning glyphosate—something everyone who values good health should be sending to your city council, township supervisors, country officials, and even state and highway officials asking them to ban Roundup spraying along interstates and other roadways.

The Million-Dollar-Question

What will the U.S. EPA do regarding glyphosate/Roundup? since according to Food Safety News,

Glyphosate is commonly used on wheat, corn, soybeans, sugar beets and other crops in the U.S. and many other countries. Use of the herbicide has dramatically increased in recent years along with the planting of genetically engineered crops.

While the U.S. government does not specifically test food products for glyphosate residue, it does do testing each year for hundreds of other herbicides and pesticides — along with insecticides, fungicides, and other agricultural chemicals — to make sure residues are not present in food products at levels considered dangerous to human health.

The responsibility for this function is shared between EPA, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). [5] [CJF emphasis added]

Shared U.S. federal agencies responsibility is THE problem why glyphosate has been allowed to be used like ‘water’ in the USA, I think. The lobbying and politicking that goes on is incredibly influential, especially since Monsanto, who makes Roundup, has former employees at the U.S. FDA: Michael Taylor, JD, [6] Deputy Commissioner for Foods, U.S. FDA, and Clarence Thomas, [7] U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice, and former Monsanto corporate lawyer!

Are the cards stacked in Monsanto’s favor?

Readers, you be the judge and decide. You also can change the outcome or verdict by what you use on your lawns; by not purchasing GMO foods, especially all processed brands which contain some form of GMOs; by not purchasing GMO seeds to plant your food garden [8, 9]; and by becoming an activist for GMO-labeling and a GMO-free United States of America.

Who ever would have thought that Kraft would take out chemicals, preservatives and synthetics from its “Original Macaroni and Cheese”? Well, you, the consumers made that happen. Here’s how:

Kraft Foods on Monday said it is revamping its family-friendly macaroni and cheese meal, removing synthetic colors and preservatives from the popular boxed dinner.

The move comes at a time when Kraft is battling sluggish demand as consumers shift to brands that are perceived as healthier, including foods that are organic or less processed. [CJF emphasis added]

The company has also been targeted by consumer advocacy groups. (Source)

Consumers can get the same results for glyphosate/Roundup and GMOs. Go for it! 

References:

[1] http://www.globalresearch.ca/monsanto-knew-of-glyphosate-cancer-link-35-years-ago/5443741
[2] http://disinfo.com/2015/04/monsanto-knew-of-glyphosate-cancer-link-35-years-ago/
[3] http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2015/04/epa-may-recommend-testing-food-products-for-common-herbicide/#.VTZkMBRFD9K
[4] http://www.allgov.com/news/us-and-the-world/toxic-pesticides-banned-in-other-countries-continue-to-be-used-in-us-141030?news=854672
[5] http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2015/04/epa-may-recommend-testing-food-products-for-common-herbicide/#.VTaKaRRFD9I
[6] http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/OfficeofFoods/ucm196721.htm
[7] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clarence_Thomas
[8] http://www.seedsavers.org/onlinestore/?gclid=CKiZms36h8UCFZUkgQodSqEA3A
[9] http://www.rareseeds.com/resources/non-hybrid/

Resources:

Regulators may recommend testing food for glyphosate residues
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/04/20/us-food-agriculture-glyphosate-idUSKBN0NB1N020150420

EPA May Recommend Testing Food Products for Common Herbicide
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2015/04/epa-may-recommend-testing-food-products-for-common-herbicide/#.VTZkMBRFD9K

Monsanto Roundup is an Endocrine Disruptor in Human Cells at Levels allowed in Drinking Water. Study
http://www.globalresearch.ca/monsanto-roundup-kills-human-placenta-cells-at-levels-allowed-in-drinking-water-study/5444172

How to Keep Monsanto Out of Your Garden
http://www.smallfootprintfamily.com/where-to-buy-non-gmo-seeds

Catherine J Frompovich (website) is a retired natural nutritionist who earned advanced degrees in Nutrition and Holistic Health Sciences, Certification in Orthomolecular Theory and Practice plus Paralegal Studies. Her work has been published in national and airline magazines since the early 1980s. Catherine authored numerous books on health issues along with co-authoring papers and monographs with physicians, nurses, and holistic healthcare professionals. She has been a consumer healthcare researcher 35 years and counting.

Two of Catherine’s more recent books on Amazon.com are Our Chemical Lives And The Hijacking Of Our DNA, A Probe Into What’s Probably Making Us Sick (2009) and Lord, How Can I Make It Through Grieving My Loss, An Inspirational Guide Through the Grieving Process (2008)