I created a PowerPoint highlighting the only test done on genetically modified organisms. A 90-day test was done on rats, using a Monsanto variety of corn. By doing this, I hope to give my audience a visual of what eating genetically modified products can and is doing to consumers' bodies. My goal is not to scare my audience, but I do want them to be a little concerned of what could be happening inside their bodies if they continue to consume genetically modified crops. By actually being able to see the health effects, it makes the problem more relatable for everyday people. My brother sparked my interest in the topic of genetically modified organisms. I have acquired valuable knowledge on the subject through my research and I have passed on the information to many of my acquaintances. I was shocked at how many resources I found concerning the topic of genetically modified foods. Even though this course is virtually over, my interest on the matter has only grown and I will continue to pursue further knowledge. My hope is that when my PowerPoint is viewed, a fire will spark in my audience and they will also want to find more information and ways to keep themselves and/or their families safe. It was difficult finding legal images to use, but even though I have only included one image, I feel like the information I provided with it does not require extra images. Even though the quotes can get a little lengthy, I thought it was important to include them to show the validity of the study and the concerns that arose.

1. Effects of Genetically
Modified Organisms
Katie Schaffer

2. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)
 Organism whose genetic material
has been altered using genetic
engineering techniques
 Combines the genes of different
organisms for a desired effect
 Used in agriculture industry to create
crops that have a high resistance to
pests, herbicides and harsh
environmental conditions as well as
increased shelf life
 Cost saving and more efficient than
traditional farming methods, but
introduces health and environmental
risks

3. Rat FeedingTrials
 The USDA is the first to look at the impact of eating a GM
diet over a rat’s lifetime of 2 years
 The corn fed to the rats were genetically modified to
withstand spraying with glyphosate, the main chemical in the
weed killer Roundup
 Idea is to produce corn that can be sprayed without being
damaged, while still killing weeds
 To date, safety assessments of GM crops have been based on
rat feeding trials lasting 90 days
Information from Mike Adams’ “Shock Findings in New GMO Study”

4. Rat FeedingTrials
 Rats were organized in 3 separate feeding groups
1. Rats fed only GM corn, variety NK603
2. Rats fed GM corn, variety NK603 and Roundup
3. Rats fed only Roundup
 NK603 is the Monsanto variety of GM corn grown across
North America and fed to animals and humans
 Same corn used in corn-based breakfast cereal, corn tortillas
and corn snack chips
Information found in SusanGordon’s Critical Perspectives of Genetically ModifiedCrops and Food

5. Rat FeedingTrials {Results}
 Study has been called “the most thorough research ever
published into the health effects of GM food crops,”
according to author Susan Gordon, Critical Perspectives of
Genetically Modified Crops and Foods
 Michael Potter of nongmoproject.org reported, “Scientists
found that rats exposed to even the smallest amounts,
developed mammary tumors and severe liver and kidney
damage.”

6. Rat FeedingTrials {Results}
 Rats that drank trace amounts of Roundup, at levels legally
allowed in the water supply, had a 200-300% increase in large
tumors
 Rats fed GM corn and traces of Roundup suffered severe
organ damage
 Including liver and kidney damage
 50% of male and 70% of female rats suffered premature
death
Information from Mike Adams’ “Shock Findings in New GMO Study”

7. PhotoCourtesy by Library of Congress on Flickr Public Domain
The visible effects of the genetically modified corn NK603 and Roundup over 90 day trial
• 1st rat fed only GM corn
• 2nd rat fed both GM corn and Roundup
• 3rd rat fed only Roundup

8. Quotes from the Professionals
 “This research shows an extraordinary number of tumors
developing earlier and more aggressively – particularly in
female animals. I am shocked by the extreme negative health
impacts.” – Dr. Michael Antoniou, molecular biologist, Kings
College London
 “We can expect that the consumption of GM maize and the
herbicide Roundup, impacts seriously on human health.” –
Dr. Antoniou
Quotes found in Mike Adams’s “Shock Findings in New GMO Study”

9. Quotes from the Professionals {Cont.}
 “This is the first time that a long-term animal feeding trial has
examined the impact of feeding GM corn or the herbicide
Roundup, or a combination of both and the results are
extremely serious. In the male rats, there was liver and
kidney disorders, including tumors and even more
worryingly, in the female rats, there were mammary tumors
at a level which is extremely concerning; up to 80 percent of
the female rats had mammary tumors by the end of the
trial.” – Patrick Holden, Director, Sustainable FoodTrust
Quotes found in Mike Adams’s “Shock Findings in New GMO Study”

10. How to Stay Safe
 Visit nongmoproject.org for a list of verified products,
restaurants and participating retailers near you
 Look for the non-GMO verified stamp and USDA certified
organic stamp on products
 Do your research and pay attention to the food you buy and
ingredients in your food

11. Works Cited
 Adams, Mike. "Shock Findings in New GMO Study."
NaturalNews. N.p., 19 Sep 2012. Web. 2 Jul 2013.
 Library of Congress, . 2012. Photograph. Flickr.com.Web. 17
Jul 2013. (Public Domain)
 Gordon, Susan. Critical Perspectives on Genetically Modified
Crops and Food. NewYork:The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.,
2006. 9-159. Print.
 Potter, Michael. "GMO Facts." NON-GMO Project. Web. 6 Jun
2013.