The Bayer/Monsanto unholy alliance has the green light in Europe

Hot off the press – the EU has now officially blessed the merger of Bayer and Monsanto to create the largest agri-chem corporatocracy the world has ever known. However, reports from the US suggest officials are not satisfied with Bayer’s plan to gain antitrust approval for the merger amid worries that the merger could damage competition. Given the might of the two organisations it’s unlikely the merger will be refused – they just have to find the right price, but at what cost to citizens, animals and the environment?

South African Alliance challenges government regulations

Complementary and traditional medicine is under attack in many countries, but none more so than South Africa. Despite seemingly defeating the introduction of stringent regulatory requirements for natural health products, new regulations have now been introduced that could see natural health products being regulated on the same basis as conventional pharmaceutical drugs. The Alliance of Natural Health Products (South Africa) has launched an application to challenge the General Regulations, saying, “The Regulations' definitions of "complementary medicines" and "health supplements" are unlawfully and unworkably broad”. If the government maintains the new Regulations the effect could be catastrophic not just for the manufacturers of natural health products, but for those who rely on the products to support and maintain good health. Yet again, the interests of Big Pharma are threatening citizens’ rights and freedoms in health choice. We will bring you further updates as they become apparent.

Miracle menopause drug not so miraculous!

If you’re a woman of a certain age you may have been taking a keen interest in recent news reports about a ‘miracle’ new menopause drug. The menopause is a new area of interest and potential exploitation by Big Pharma, especially given the potential health risks associated with synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Unfortunately, the drug industry is not averse to saving money by recycling drugs that were initially created for different conditions. This so-called ‘miraculous’ wonder drug for menopause was initially labelled for schizophrenia. It’s been dusted off and brought back because it blocks a chemical in the brain called neurokinin B (NKB) thought to be involved in the onset of hot flushes, which is one of most challenging menopausal symptoms for affected women. The drug has been withdrawn already because it may also cause liver damage. But menopausal women are still not out of the woods. Two similar drugs are currently being trialled. Whilst the symptoms can be challenging, menopause is a natural transition in every woman’s life and it can be effectively managed to greater extent through natural means.

Glyphosate, pregnancy and challenge to EU approval

A US study has added to worries around the detrimental effects of glyphosate on human health. Despite the small sample size (n=71) researchers found detectable levels of glyphosate in 90% of those studied, which correlated to reduced length of pregnancy and below-average birth weights. The team also analysed water samples, which did not contain quantifiable levels of glyphosate indicating exposure from other sources. As expected, when advised of the preliminary findings of the study, Monsanto dismissed them. Whilst larger studies are needed we should not dismiss the findings of this study nor its impact on the future health of humans. As concern around glyphosate safety continues to increase worldwide, in the EU the Brussels government has sent a complaint to the European Commission claiming the recent re-authorisation of glyphosate in the EU breaches the Precautionary Principle. Belgium voted against the renewal of glyphosate in the EU and the Brussels government have already banned the use of glyphosate in Belgium. It’s unlikely the complaint will be upheld, but it demonstrates the depth of concern around the continued acceptance and use of this highly controversial chemical.

Non-vaccinated children pose ZERO risk to anyone

Harvard immunologist Tetyana Obukhanych used to be a vaccine advocate. That is until she started questioning the training she had been given after she caught the very diseases she had been vaccinated against. In 2012 she wrote a book, Vaccine Illusion, which started her journey into questioning the safety and efficacy of vaccines. She followed this up in 2015 with an open letter to Legislators setting out why unvaccinated children do not pose a risk to anyone else. Although not new, the republication of this letter is still as applicable today, given the challenge to the notion of mandatory vaccination for all. This is particularly timely given the current push in the EU to increase vaccination rates. If you agree there should be open and honest discussion about the safety of vaccines, please sign and share the ANH-Intl petition to stop health authorities from claiming vaccines are ‘safe’.

Back to ANH International Homepage