Even Dr Hayes conceded that “the number of animals used may have been sufficient to reach conclusions regarding oral toxicity”. Yet in retracting the whole paper based on the inconclusive nature of some of its observations, he has erased these critical toxicological findings from the scientific record.
Papers are accepted (or not) for publication based on the whole. The peer review process identifies and communicates to the author any specific elements needing revision or clarification by additional research.
The main findings of the Séralini study, in line with its intention to explore issues of chronic toxicity, consist of statistically significant toxic effects on the liver, kidneys and pituitary gland, and disruption to sex hormones. The number of rats per group was the same as is recommended to be analyzed for blood and urine chemistry in the OECD chronic toxicity protocol,[1] meaning that the conclusions drawn on these findings are valid.
Even Dr Hayes conceded that “the number of animals used may have been sufficient to reach conclusions regarding oral toxicity”.[2] Yet in retracting the whole paper based on the inconclusive nature of some of its observations – on tumours and mortality – he has erased these critical toxicological findings from the scientific record.
This decision to “throw out the baby with the bathwater” is scientifically unjustifiable. The toxicological findings have potentially serious implications for human and animal health and must remain in the record. Erasing them from the record obstructs scientific progress, which relies on researchers being able to read, evaluate and build on the original findings in order to dispute, qualify, or confirm them.
[1] Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) (2009). OECD guideline no. 452 for the testing of chemicals: Chronic toxicity studies: Adopted 7 September 2009. http://bit.ly/LxJT1Z
[2] Hayes AW (2013). Food and Chemical Toxicology editor-in-chief, A. Wallace Hayes, publishes response to Letters to the Editors. 10 Dec. http://www.elsevier.com/about/press-releases/rese...
