What Could Go Wrong? EPA Approves Bacteria-Infected Lab-Grown Mosquitoes

Lab-grown mosquitoes armed with bacterium Wolbachia pipientis have just been approved by the EPA. The agency is saying that these mosquitoes could be the key to killing off insects that often transmit dangerous viruses such as Zika.

Nothing can go wrong, right? The government would never do that to us. Famous last words, but nonetheless, the created mosquitoes are very real! Mosquitoes are annoying the way it is, and adding the Zika virus has been exactly no fun for anyone. But is it worth infecting mosquitoes with bacteria in order to help stop the Zika virus? The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) says “yes.”

On November 3, the Environmental Protection Agency approved a new approach from the biotech company MosquitoMate. The goal is to destroy populations of wild mosquitoes that could be carrying nasty viruses, according to a report from Nature magazine. –CNET

MosquitoMate infects lab-grown mosquitoes with the common bacterium Wolbachia pipientis, which affects mosquitoes but they claim, it does not affect not animals or humans. They chose to infect lab-grown mosquitoes over genetic modification, although the reason for this decision is not yet known. MosquitoMate will release these insects in 20 states (which include Washington D.C., and Kentucky) this summer.

The Wolbachia-infected male mosquitoes (which don’t bite) mate with the wild populations of female Asian tiger mosquitoes (which do bite). The eggs fertilized by MosquitoMate’s male mosquitoes won’t hatch because the paternal chromosomes don’t form properly due to the effects of the bacterium.

But the process to create these mosquitoes is time-consuming, and millions must be made and infected for the insects to do their job, and make a dent in the Zika virus.

MosquitoMate hopes its GMO-free solution to destroying deadly mosquitoes will earn the praise from those of us who want a more natural way keeping mosquitoes that could end up making us sick out of our yards. “Unlike traditional mosquito control, we don’t show up after you have a problem,” according to MosquitoMate’s FAQ. “By acting proactively, your population of Asian Tiger mosquitoes will not reach a nuisance level.”

Let’s just hope they are right that the bacterium being used is not harmful to humans or animals…

Philippines: 100% GMO-Free?

A coalition of 100 mayors in the Philippines have joined forces to rid their cities of GMOs and pesticides—and they mean business!

While in Manila for the AgriLink Agri-Business Conference, Regeneration International’s Oliver Gardiner filmed the mayors signing on to the League of Organic Agriculture Municipalities and Cities (LOAMC). LOAMC is an initiative of the Organic Trade Producer Association and Ecoveritas.

Watch as Mayor Rommel Arnado and others talk about how their newly formed coalition plans to get toxic pesticides and GMOs out of more than 100 cities.

Could organic consumers and concerned citizens convince mayors in cities around the U.S. to follow the lead of these forward-thinking Filipino mayors?

Watch the video

Show your support for Mayor Arnado on Facebook

Start a Regeneration Movement in your own community

Support Regeneration International, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit partially funded by OCA

h/t: Organic Consumers Organization

The post Philippines: 100% GMO-Free? appeared first on The Sleuth Journal.

WIN! Triscuit Now Carries Non-GMO Project Certification

Mondelez International, the parent company of the Triscuit brand, announced August 7, 2017 in a news release that it has switched its entire portfolio to the Non-GMO Verified Certification. The move was made in response to the growing demand from buyers for wholesome food products free of genetically-modified ingredients. [1] [2]

The Non-GMO Project is the #1 leading independent verifier of non-GMO foods in the United States, as well as the only third-party non-GMO verification system in the country. [2]

Kailey Clark, Brand Manager, Triscuit North America, said:

“The Triscuit brand has evolved throughout its 100-plus-year history by delivering what consumers want, whether that’s new flavors; quick, everyday recipe solutions; or now, Non-GMO Project Verified snacking options.

The Non-GMO Project Verified seal is the gold standard. It is the most trusted label among consumers, and we are proud to offer that level of product transparency to Triscuit customers.” [2]

Study: 43% Of Consumers Rank “Non-GMO” Food as “Very Important”

Courtney Pineau, Associate Director of the Non-GMO Project, said:

“We are thrilled Triscuit Crackers has converted its entire portfolio to be made with Non-GMO Project Verified ingredients.

As an organization, we believe that consumers have a right to know what is in their food and have access to non-GMO choices. Triscuit shares that vision, and we are excited to be working with them through this collaboration to continue that commitment.”

Triscuits are made from what the release calls “three simple and authentic ingredients:” wheat, oil, and salt. Mondelez reportedly has worked to source the oil and seasonings used in the snacks that meet the certification. [1] [2]

Non-GMO Project Verified boxes of Triscuits began appearing on store shelves across the country in late July 2017, according to the news release. [1]

The full line of Triscuit Cracker boxes bearing the Non-GMO Project seal is expected to become available by the end of September.

Sources:

[1] Just-Food

[2] Market Insider

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About Mike Barrett:
	Mike is the co-founder, editor, and researcher behind Natural Society. Studying the work of top natural health activists, and writing special reports for top 10 alternative health websites, Mike has written hundreds of articles and pages on how to obtain optimum wellness through natural health.