From gmwatch.org: new research on the impact of GMOs on health.

• Position: Genetically-modified organisms

Although some GMOs have been approved and marketed for several years, there was no body of scientific research on their impact on the biology of living organisms. This is partly because animal feeding trials are not required in the current safety approval process for GMOs in the EU or USA. Only now is a body of evidence starting to emerge from a small number of animal feeding trials into the health effects and progress in the new science of epigenetics. This indicates that genetic engineering is much more unpredictable and risky than traditional breeding.

Recent studies have found a range of serious, unexplained effects from GM consumption:

* An Australian study of GM peas revealed immunological effects of genetic engineering with the transfer of a "safe" gene to a different plant species producing allergic reactions in mice. A trial by Monsanto also indicated immunological effects with higher white blood cell levels in GM maizefed rats.

* The only long-term feeding trial (24 months, by an Italian team) found GMOs can affect key body organs, changing the cell structure and cell functioning of the liver, pancreas and testes of mice fed Roundup Ready soya. Similarly, a Monsa to trial found rats fed its GM maize Mon863 developed smaller kidneys.

* A Monsanto trial found GM consumption affects the development of the blood with fewer immature red blood cells and changes in blood chemistry in rats fed its GM maize Mon863.

* A Russian rat study found apparent generational effects of GMOs with very high death rates in the young of rats fed GM Roundup Ready soya (56% died) and stunted growth in the surviving progeny.

* UK studies funded by the Food Standards Agency found that genetic engineering routinely causes a large number of random genetic and chemical changes in GM plants, the health impacts of which are unknown.

* Two UK trials, one with humans and one with sheep, found that when GMOs are eaten some of the inserted genes transfer into the gut bacteria.

Additionally, past studies found GM consumption damages the gut wall and is associated with unexplained deaths of test animals:

* Studies by three scientific teams of two different GM plants found GMOs have the potential to cause hemorrhage. Feeding trials by two teams...