Just Label It, News Roundup 3-2

GMO trials pose a danger to bananas, the Philippines’ second-biggest agricultural export commodity. Dangerously high levels of banned pesticides in edible cactuses from Mexico spurred California health officials to issue a public warning today – they’re urging people to throw out these cactuses because they could cause acute poisoning. Republican lawmakers are threatening to cut off U.S. funding for the World Health Organization’s cancer research program over its finding that the active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup is probably carcinogenic to humans. Critics are blasting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for dramatically lowering a fine on agribusiness company Syngenta for violations of pesticide regulations in Hawaii. Farmers are using flowers, instead of chemicals, to beat back pests in fields all over the U.S. This practice is an attempt to curb the issues that chemical-dependent agriculture presents. And a new study has found neonicotinoids in 75 percent of honey sampled in a global survey.

Banana growers oppose GM field-testing in Mindanao, Philippines

GMO trials pose a danger to Bananas, the country’s second-biggest agricultural export commodity. Once again genetic engineers are proposing a GMO “solution” to a problem that already appears to have been solved using non-GMO methods.

Banned pesticides found in cactus pads could poison people

Dangerously high levels of banned pesticides in edible cactus from Mexico spurred California health officials to issue a public warning today urging people to throw out the product because it could cause acute poisoning. The contaminated cactus pads may also have been distributed in other states as well.

GOP lawmakers take aim at WHO agency over Roundup ingredient

Republican lawmakers are threatening to cut off U.S. funding for the World Health Organization’s cancer research program over its finding that the active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup is probably carcinogenic to humans.

How to Eat Organic on a Budget

You don’t have to break the bank to eat organic. Consumer Reports has some easy ways to save on organic food. Watch this video to learn more.

House of Leaf & Bean transforms former Taco Bell into organic oasis

An organic restaurant replaces a former Taco Bell in Jacksonville. The new business started by Wen Raiti, an accountant by trade originally from China who changed her diet after a digestive disorder.

Farmers Are Using Flowers To Beat Back Pests Instead Of Chemicals

Pesticides have created a number of problems; not only do pests become gradually resistant to the poison, the use of the chemicals can be unhealthy for workers and potentially for the people who come in contact with the produce in their food cycle.

Critics cry foul after EPA reduces Syngenta fine for Kauai pesticide violations

Critics are blasting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for dramatically lowering a fine on agribusiness company Syngenta for violations of pesticide regulations in Hawaii.

Neonicotinoids found in 75% of honey sampled in global study

A recent study published in Science sought to better understand the global distribution of neonicotinoids in the environment by sampling honey. Scientists tested almost 200 honey samples from across the globe (all continents except Antarctica) for the presence and concentration of neonicotinoids. They found that 75% of honey samples contained at least one neonicotinoid, with 86% of North American, 80% of Asian, and 79% of European honey testing positive.