In May 2005, a report by the Independent in the UK revealed that secret research conducted by Monsanto on its GM maize MON863 showed significant variations between the rats fed with conventional maize and those fed with MON863 (see BIS 31 May 2005). These included an increased number of white blood cells in the males, reduced immature red blood cells in females, a significant increase in blood sugar in the females or a higher frequency of physical irregularities in the kidneys of the males, such as reduced weight and inflammation.

MON863 produces a Bt toxin (Cry3Bb1) to protect it against corn rootworm. This toxin is not identical to other Bt toxins contained in GM plants already approved in Europe. MON863 also contains an antibiotic resistance marker gene. Doubts over the safety of MON863 were already expressed as far back as April 2004, with revelations in the French newspaper Le Monde indicating that the French expert body in charge of GMO evaluation (Commission du Génie Biomoléculaire, CGB) had concerns.

Monsanto had refused to reveal documents containing this information on the grounds that “it contains confidential business information which could be of commercial use to our competitors.” This was followed by a campaign by groups such as Greenpeace, which resulted in a move by the German state to order Monsanto to make available publicly the document under EU law on environmental information. The company appealed against the decision to disclose the document, but this was overruled by the German court on 20 June during which Monsanto was ordered to disclose the suppressed report on rat feeding trials related to the company's GM maize MON863. This decision is important as it sets a precedent for cases in which companies keep their documents on GM-plant risk assessment secret.

Prof. Gilles-Eric Séralini of the University of Caen, President of the Scientific Council of the Committee for Independent Research and Information on Genetic Engineering and a member of the Commission du Génie Biomoléculaire (CGB), has conducted an analysis of the Monsanto study, the results of which are reproduced below (Item 1). "The GM maize should not be allowed to be licensed as food or feedstuff in EU countries," he says. "If a trial produces such striking results, it must at all events be repeated."

Prof. Arpad Pusztai, who was earlier commissioned by the German government to evaluate the MON863 study, also warns against allowing the maize to be licensed. "It cannot be presumed that the damage to the rats' inner organs and the animals' blood picture are based on chance. The documents also show that the set-up for the experiments was inadequate and evaluation of the data incorrect. Further investigations are absolutely necessary". (See Item 2).

On Friday, 24 June, EU environment ministers will vote on whether to place MON863 on the EU market, as well as on national bans imposed by five member states against the use and cultivation of GMOs.

On 29 June 2005

  
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