A study released Wednesday found that rats fed Monsanto’s genetically modified corn or exposed to the biotech giant’s herbicide, Roundup, developed tumors and organ damage. As Reuters reported, “The researchers said 50 percent of males and 70 percent of females [in the test group] died prematurely, compared with only 30 percent and 20 percent in the control group.” The lead researcher of the French study is an outspoken Monsanto critic, which, according to Reuters, “may make other experts wary of drawing hasty conclusions.” However, the findings will no doubt fuel the controversy already surrounding Monsanto and GMO crops. As Think Progress’ Aviva Shen noted, the study “may hurt efforts by ... Monsanto, to defeat a California ballot initiative that would require labels on genetically modified foods.” The study may also buoy anti-Monsanto protests -- food activists acting under the banner “Occupy Monsanto” organized 65 protests this past week at Monsanto facilities across the country.