(14-01-11) Aspartame exposed - GM Bacteria used to create deadly sweetener

by Anthony Gucciardi, citizen journalist

(NaturalNews) The manufacturers of the most prevalent sweetener in the world
have a secret, and it`s not a sweet one. Aspartame, an artificial sweetener
found in thousands of products worldwide, has been found to be created using
genetically modified (GM) bacteria. What`s even more shocking is how long this
information has been known. A 1999 article by The Independent was the first to
expose the abominable process in which aspartame was created. Ironically, the
discovery was made around the same time as rich leaders around the globe met at
the G8 Summit to discuss the safety of GM foods.

The 1999 investigation found that Monsanto, the largest biotech corporation in
the world, often used GM bacteria to produce aspartame in their US production
plants. The end result is a fusion between two of the largest health hazards to
ever hit the food industry -- artificial sweeteners and an array of genetically
altered organisms. Both have led to large-scale debate, with aspartame being
the subject of multiple congressional hearings and scientific criticism.
Scientists and health advocates are not the only ones to speak out against
aspartame, however. The FDA received a flurry of complaints from consumers
using NutraSweet, a product containing aspartame. Since 1992, the FDA has
stopped documenting reports on the subject.

The process in which aspartame is created involves combining an amino acid
known as phenylalanine with aspartic acid. First synthesized in 1965, aspartame
requires bacteria for the sole purpose of producing phenylalanine. Monsanto
discovered that through genetically altering this bacteria, phenylalanine could
be created much more quickly. In the report by The Independent, Monsanto openly
admitted that their mutated bacteria is a staple in the creation process of
aspartame.

"We have two strains of bacteria - one is traditionally modified and one is
genetically modified," said the source from Monsanto. "It's got a modified
enzyme. It has one amino acid different."

Multiple studies have been conducted regarding genetic manipulation, with many
grim conclusions. One study found that the more GM corn was fed to mice, the
fewer babies they had. Another study, published in the International Journal of
Biological Sciences, found that the organs that typically respond to chemical
food poisoning were the first to encounter problems after subjects consumed GM
foods. The same study also states that GM foods should not be commercialized.

"For the first time in the world, we've proven that GMO are neither
sufficiently healthy nor proper to be commercialized. [...] Each time, for all
three GMOs, the kidneys and liver, which are the main organs that react to a
chemical food poisoning, had problems," indicated Gilles-Eric Seralini, an
expert member of the Commission for Biotechnology Reevaluation.

Consumer groups are now curious as to whether or not other products secretly
contain genetically modified ingredients. Due to the fact that the finished
product`s DNA does not change when using genetically modified bacteria, it is
hard to know for sure. With the FDA ruling against the labeling of GM salmon,
it is becoming more of a challenge to determine whether or not a product
contains GM ingredients. Consumers are voicing their opposition for GM
ingredients going incognito, with the largest growing retail brand being GMO-
free products.

"The public wants to know and the public has a right to know," said Marion
Nestle, a professor in the Nutrition, Food Studies and Public Health Department
at New York University.

Unveiling the secret process in which aspartame is created acts as yet another
reminder to stay away from artificial sweeteners, and one should choose natural
alternatives such as palm sugar, xylitol, or stevia.

[Editor`s Note: NaturalNews is strongly against the use of all forms of animal
testing. We fully support implementation of humane medical experimentation that
promotes the health and wellbeing of all living creatures.]

Sources:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/w...
http://www.biosicherheit.de/pdf/akt... (PDF)
http://www.biolsci.org/v05p0706.htm
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dy...
http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire...

About the author
Anthony Gucciardi is a health activist and wellness researcher, whose goal is
centered around educating the general public as to how they may obtain optimum
health. He has authored countless articles highlighting the benefits of natural
health, as well as exposing the pharmaceutical industry. Anthony is the creator
of Shatter Limits (http://www.ShatterLimits.com), a natural health website.
Anthony has been accurately interpreting national and international events for
years within his numerous political articles. Anthony's articles have been seen
by millions around the world, and hosted on multiple top news websites.

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