New research links exposure to common pesticides with compromised vitamin D levels that can cause deficiencies and disease, according to a study published in a recent issue of the journal PLoS One.
]]> http://www.organicauthority.com/blog/organic/banned-ddt-pesticidestill-a-health-risk-linked-to-vitamin-d-deficiencies/feed/ 0 http://www.organicauthority.com/blog/organic/bayer-cropscience-pesticide-named-as-major-cause-of-bee-collapse/ http://www.organicauthority.com/blog/organic/bayer-cropscience-pesticide-named-as-major-cause-of-bee-collapse/#comments Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:17:24 +0000 Jill Ettinger http://www.organicauthority.com/blog/?p=10757

Bayer CropScience, the leading manufacturer of imidacloprid systemic-based pesticides, is the target of criticism and calls to ban the products after new research findings indicate imidacloprid as a major culprit in the recent decline of honeybee populations in a condition that's commonly referred to as colony collapse disorder. Without healthy honeybee populations contributing to the pollination of hundreds of foods, millions of farmers and fruit and vegetable crops would cease production.

Microsoft founder and philanthropist Bill Gates came to the defense of genetically modified organisms and the potential they hold to "feed the world" and help relieve global poverty issues in a recent annual letter released on his foundation's website.

Deadly strains of the antibiotic-resistant bacteria MRSA (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus) are present in the nation's meat supply, according to a new report published in the journal PLoS ONE titled, "MRSA in Conventional and Alternative Retail Pork Products."

A recent study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston and featured in the recent issue of Journal of the American Medical Association is the first to link chemicals to immune problems in children. The study revealed more concerns about exposure to common chemicals as the research team found contraindications with routine vaccinations.

A bill introduced to the House last week could mean major housing upgrades, if you're a chicken. Titled H.R. 3798, the Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments of 2012, the bill was crafted in partnership by the Humane Society of the United States and United Egg Producers.

Ninety-three percent of cotton grown in the U.S. is genetically modified, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, but that isn't stopping the market demand for organic cotton.

Earlier this month, countries including Germany, France, Japan and the U.K. signed a joint declaration as part of the United Nation's Food and Agriculture efforts to reduce food waste.

The EPA is expected to publish an updated position by the end of January on what the agency determines to be acceptable levels of dioxins based on the Reanalysis that began last August. The report is expected to set upper limits on what is considered safe dioxin consumption levels.

Methyl iodine, the neurotoxin chemical used to fumigate strawberry and tomato fields before planting, is at the heart of a growing debate in California just a year after former Governor Schwarzenegger approved its use.