May 7, 2007

"The needles are a delivery vehicle and do not remain in the animal's hide. While ink does remain in the animal's hide, i.e. similiar to a human tattoo, the needles do not. Also, the ink 'mark' is removed with the animal's hide at processing." — Mark C. Pydynowski, Somark Innovations

Thanks to Mr. Pydynowski for clarifying our confusion about the micro-needles being an integrated and permanent part of the ink technology. Because of this information, the concerns expressed in this commentary are no longer valid.

The statements in the article imply that the ink is not topical, meaning it doesn't remain on the surface of the hair and skin. If the ink only affected the outside of the cattle, there would be no statement that it would be broken down when chewing. If the ink is in the meat, it is not topical but instead absorbed by the animal's internal systems.

"Would destroy" is not very reassuring. Privacy concerns are important, but the health ramifications for such technology are serious. There is no way to know how this technology might affect the public health without years of trials and review. There are many potential problems with such a system, and extensive long-term testing should be required.

It is difficult to imagine that the simple act of chewing destroys the micro-needles, since mastication primarily reduces food to smaller pieces for other digestive systems to work more efficiently. Are the needles destroyed by saliva, stomach acid, or other actions of the digestive system? At which stage of digestion are the needles rendered inert, and do the resulting by-products affect other systems?

Is there any chance of the micro-needles or by-products being absorbed into the bloodstream? What effects would absorption have on other systems and organs? What are the effects for people with abnormal conditions or compromised immune systems? How do the needles and by-products interact with medication, and do medications that change bodily functions or chemistry change how the needles are eliminated?

Because it is suggested that this technology be used in the food supply, it is important to answer all of these questions before consumers are exposed.