www.checkbiotech.org ; www.raupp.info ; www.czu.cz

Environmental group Greenpeace launched a fresh attack on genetically
modified maize developed by U.S. biotech giant Monsanto, saying on Tuesday
that rats fed on one version developed liver and kidney problems, March
2007.

Greenpeace said a study it had commissioned that was published in the
journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Technology showed rats
fed for 90 days on Monsanto's MON863 maize showed "signs of toxicity" in the
liver and kidneys.

"It is the first time that independent research, published in a
peer-reviewed journal, has proved that a GMO authorised for human
consumption presents signs of toxicity," Arnaud Apoteker, a spokesman for
Greenpeace France said in a statement.

Campaigners against Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) say that genetic
modification technology is unproven and potentially dangerous and that GMO
crops can contaminate other crops.

The industry says the technology offers vast potential benefits, poses no
health risk and has never been shown to contaminate other crops.

"All the experts agree that the maize in question is as safe as traditional
maize," Yann Fichet, director external relations for Monsanto France told
France's TF1 television.

He said the maize had been authorised in more than 10 countries and in the
European Union but he declined to comment specifically on the allegations
raised by Greenpeace.

MON863 is a form of maize genetically modified to make it resistant to corn
rootworm. It has been authorised by the European Union for use in animal
feed since 2005 and for human consumption since January 2006.

[uk.reuters.com]