CONSPIRACY-PSEUDOSCIENCE
Sources in the Conspiracy-Pseudoscience category may publish unverifiable information that is not always supported by evidence. These sources may be untrustworthy for credible/verifiable information, therefore fact checking and further investigation is recommended on a per article basis when obtaining information from these sources. See all Conspiracy-Pseudoscience sources.
- Overall, we rate the Institute for Responsible Technology is a strong Pseudoscience website that promotes anti-GMO propaganda.
Detailed Report
Factual Reporting: MIXED
Country: USA
World Press Freedom Rank: USA 45/180
History
Founded in 2003, by self-proclaimed GMO expert Jeffrey M. Smith, the Institute for Responsible Technology is a website that reports on GMOs. Jeffrey Smith is an American consumer activist, self-published author, and former politician. He is the author of two books on genetically engineered foods, Seeds of Deception: Exposing Industry and Government Lies about the Safety of the Genetically Engineered Foods You’re Eating, and Genetic Roulette: The Gamble of Our Lives, which he made into a film in 2012. According to their about page “The Institute for Responsible Technology is a world leader in educating policymakers and the public about genetically modified (GM) foods and crops. We investigate and report their risks and impact on health, environment, the economy, and agriculture, as well as the problems associated with current research, regulation, corporate practices, and reporting.”
They state their mission as “To protect the genetic integrity and nature’s biological evolution by preventing the outdoor release of genetically modified organisms and to protect human and animal health by preventing the use of GMOs in the food and feed supply. In addition, we seek to stop the use of toxic agricultural chemicals associated with GMOs, such as Roundup.”
Read our profile on United States government and media.
Funded by / Ownership
The website does not clearly state ownership, however, it is assumed to be published and owned by Jeffrey Smith. IRT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that is funded through donations.
Analysis / Bias
In review, the sole purpose of this website is to promote that GMOs are dangerous. For example, they make their case on this page GMOs and Roundup are Dangerous! They also promote corporate conspiracy theories such as this.
Rather than waste time dissecting the claims made on this website we will simply direct you to pro-science sources of information on the safety of GMOs.
- GMO Facts: 10 Common GMO Claims Debunked
- GMO safety debate is over
- The organic industry’s GMO hoax
- How GMOs Are Regulated for Food and Plant Safety in the United States
Overall, we rate the Institute for Responsible Technology is a strong Pseudoscience website that promotes anti-GMO propaganda. (D. Van Zandt 8/10/2016) Updated (6/25/2020)
Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources