Glyphosate scientific fraud exposed

In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as ‘probably carcinogenic’. A stance that is totally at odds with both the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) conclusion that it is not carcinogenic. However, new evidence has come to light that puts Big Ag fairly and squarely in the frame for collusion and manipulation in the making of those decisions. In the US, a new study finds the EPA relied on results from unpublished industry studies, rather than peer reviewed published studies (unlike the IARC) to reach its conclusion. In Europe, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has been found guilty of plagiarising and copy/pasting large chunks of its risk assessment of glyphosate from published and unpublished studies used by EFSA as part of its own assessment process. Both accounts serve to make a mockery of their status as independent reviewers. Much pressure has been brought to bear on the IARC for its decision, perhaps now the focus should be on those who have so blatantly misrepresented the available science - potentially at huge risk to citizens’ health. 

Breast cancer breakthrough or Big Pharma cash cow?

A new breast cancer risk calculator has been launched this week. Using genetic data and lifestyle risks the calculator is designed to aid GPs in assessing women’s risk of developing breast cancer to help them make informed choices as to whether they should undergo further screening. The tool now requires testing and validation to assess its effectiveness. If proven, it remains to be seen whether it will be used to beneficially empower women to reduce their risk, or act as a tool to push more women into unnecessary medical interventions.

Big Pharma cover-up of vaccine deaths

A leaked confidential GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) document further exposes the ongoing cover-up of evidence of potential harm from vaccination. The document reveals 36 infant deaths over a 2-year period following vaccination with Infanrix Hexa 6-in-1 vaccine. Most of the deaths occurred within a few days of vaccination. Concerns over the safety of the vaccine were previously raised after it became apparent that data acknowledging the deaths was deleted from periodic safety update reports by GSK. Despite such concerns, the US FDA has recently approved a new hexavalent vaccine for use. Governments and health authorities have a duty of care to the public to communicate all relevant and available information prior to vaccination so informed consent may be given. Vaccine Choice Campaign

UK anti-obesity approaches fail

Confusion reigns when it comes to addressing the rapidly growing obesity and type 2 diabetes epidemic.

In the UK, the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) has issued desperate ‘measures’ in the form of portion control advice as their contribution to tackling the issue. Unsurprisingly, given the list of BNF members from Big Food, suggested foods lists are dominated by ultra-processed starches and still encourage consumption of sugary snacks.

New research from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, concludes that weight-loss surgery is the most effective long-term intervention for adults who are severely obese. The best alternative to surgery was considered to be an intensive weight management plan including a low-fat diet, daily calorie intake of 1200-1800 kcal/day, initial meal replacements or meal plans, exercise, cognitive behavioural therapy plus ongoing support. Despite the adoption of very low carb diets by the American Diabetes Association in 2018, the researchers dismissed the effectiveness of low carb, high fat (LCHF) diets as being no better than other weight management programs. Yet, surgery does not address the metabolic dysregulation that underlies both obesity and type 2 diabetes and is not reversible.

Neither of these options address the underlying causes of metabolic dysregulation fuelling the obesity epidemic, nor do they attempt to promote metabolic flexibility which is intrinsic to having a healthy, vital, functioning body.

Big Food’s Asian web of influence revealed

Nestle has been slammed by The Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI) for ongoing attempts to influence doctors to promote formula feeding over mother’s milk. Under the Infant Milk Substitutes, Feeding Bottles and Infant Foods (regulation of Production, Supply, and Distribution) Act 1992, companies are prohibited from public promotion of manufactured foods for children under two years of age or offering financial incentives (including funding events) to healthcare professionals. India is not the only country in SE Asia to suffer undue influence from Big Food. A revealing new investigation puts Coca-Cola under the spotlight for its manipulation of China’s health policy through its financing of the International Life Sciences Institute, China (ILSI). Despite its contribution to the growing obesity crisis in the region, Coca-Cola is now positioning itself as part of the solution through its association with ILSI.  Yet another example of how Big Food along with other corporatocracies continue to corrupt science and harm our health in the name of profits.