Frankenfood
By Catherine Haug, Aug 11, 2018 (Image, right, from Organic Consumers’ Association (2), used with permission)
I found this article in today’s Daily Inter Lake, but I can’t find it on their website (yet). For the full story, check it out on the LA Times. (1) Read on for a summary.
The groundskeeper is dying of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer, after repeated exposure to Monsanto’s Roundup (glyphosate) over many years. Monsanto denies their product could cause cancer and will appeal the jury’s decision.
This is a big win for those of us who are fighting the rapid increase in use of GMOs and toxic ag chemicals. Quoting the article, “The verdict “signals a turning tide,” said Linda Wells, Midwest organizing director for Pesticide Action Network. “It’s time to get carcinogenic pesticides off the market, and fight for the protective regulations we all deserve,” Wells said.” (1)
The amount awarded (“$39 million in compensatory damages and $250 million in punitive damages to [the] groundskeeper” (1)), may be small for such a large company that is about to merge with an even larger company (Bayer). But it will help the groundskeeper and his family. And it sends a signal that more cases may follow.
See also my June 2018 related post: Are toxic ag chemicals winning the battle?
References
- LA Times: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-roundup-verdict-20180810-story.html
- OCA photo: http://www.organicconsumers.org/images/bytes/frankenfood-250.jpg (note: that link is no longer valid, and I cannot find its replacement)
