Biotech-crops giant Monsanto has been ordered to withdraw an advertising claim that no negative reactions have ever been reported to genetically modified foods.

The ad in question was featured in South African You magazine.

It had a picture of a woman with two small children looking at a cake, and carried the headline "Is your food SAFE?" Below the sub-heading "Biotechnology--the true facts," it stated: "This is one of the most extensively tested and controlled types of food, and no negative reactions have ever been reported."

Monsanto claims their biotech crops have been found to be "...as wholesome, nutritious and safe as conventional crops."

The Advertising Standards Authority, however, determined the claim to be unsubstantiated and has ordered the ad to be withdrawn immediately. Monsanto is barred from using the claim again until they can offer up substantial evidence.

GM crops have not been proven safe, and raises all sorts of health concerns. Dangerous gene products are incorporated into crops, such sa Bt proteins, which have been found harmul to a range of non-target insects. Others are potent immunogens and allergens.

Food crops are also increasingly used to produce pharmaceuticals. Since these crops are grown in the open with no measures taken to ensure they don't spread into other areas, Monsanto's statements are outrageous. For more information about the true dangers of GMO's, please see Why Genetically Modified Crops Can Devastate Health.

Independent Online June 20, 2007