Frito-Lay SunChips Test Positive for Weedkiller and GMO

Frito-Lay markets SunChips as a better snack rich in whole grains and low in saturated fat and cholesterol that may help reduce the risk of heart disease. We had SunChips tested for GMO content and glyphosate residue to find out just how healthy this processed food really is.

TEST RESULTS: GMO

We sent a sample of SunChips® Original to a certified lab to test for the presence of GMO material. The quantitative PCR test verified, by DNA analysis, that 100% of the corn in the SunChips was GMO, containing DNA sequences known to be present in insecticide-producing Bt and Roundup Ready corn.

The corn in SunChips produces insecticides from inside every cell of the plant that can’t be washed off and is regulated by the EPA. The FDA, EPA, and USDA allowed the insecticidal GMO corn discovered in SunChips to be commercialized without ever conducting human safety tests.

An in-vitro study found that the insecticides in this corn may be toxic to human cells. Feeding studies conducted on mammals found adverse effects including immune system disturbances, blood biochemistry disturbances, male reproductive organ damage, disturbances in the functioning of the digestive system and signs of organ toxicity. Industry claims that these insecticidal proteins are broken down in the digestive tract, yet a study found the proteins circulating in the blood of pregnant and non-pregnant women and the blood supply to fetuses. For more details about the potential impact of Bt and glyphosate on human health, read our full Kellogg’s Froot Loops Report.



TEST RESULT: GLYPHOSATE

The glyphosate residue test was conducted by an accredited lab using the Specific LC/MS/MS testing method with a minimum detectable level of 0.02 ppm. The test documented the presence of glyphosate in SunChips at a level of 0.14 ppm, or 0.14 mg/kg. As we reported in the findings of our Froot Loops testing, this gives significant reason for concern. There is a growing body of scientific evidence that indicates that glyphosate bioaccumulates in our bodies. Glyphosate was found to be frequently present in people’s urine, with the levels being higher in individuals with chronic diseases and has been detected in breast milk. Studies have linked glyphosate to health and environmental harm including endocrine disruptive capability, birth defects, male infertility and chronic kidney disease. Glyphosate has been found to kill beneficial gut microbiota in chickens. There have been no human health trials.

PEPSICO, the owner of Frito-Lay, has been one of the biggest financial contributors to the fight against consumers’ need to know if they’re eating GMOs. Pepsi contributed over $8.1 million to defeat citizens’ ballot initiatives in California ($2,485,400), Washington ($1,620,899), Colorado ($1,650,000) and Oregon ($2,350,000), and spent an additional $5.06 million on lobbying in 2013 ($2,720,000) and 2014 (first 2 quarters of 2014: $2,340,000).

$13,166,299 million is an obscene amount of money to spend fighting transparency and it makes you wonder what Pepsi is trying to hide. NOW WE KNOW.

Contact Frito-Lay and tell them to remove GMOs from their products:

Phone: 800-352-4477

Online: http://www.fritolay.com/contact

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SunChips

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