Basic principle for GE food safety evaluation fatally flawed"The experts [at the Royal Society of Canada] say this approach [of 'substantial equivalence'] is fatally flawed for genetically modified, or GM, crops and exposes Canadians to several potential health risks, including toxicity and allergic reactions"
By pursuing regular denial on GM safety issues much of the scientific establishment in the UK and elsewhere is gradually destroying its credibility in the eyes of the public. We have all been here before with BSE. "There is good reason for concern [that the] idealistic image of academic virtue and the public´s willingness to trust in it may be tottering" (Korn, 2000). [The Royal Society of Canada (2001) Elements of Precaution: Recommendations for the Regulation of Food Biotechnology in Canada, Ottawa, p.182 (April 2001).] With a fundamental split in the scientific community on the use of the concept of 'substantial equivalence' (used to varying degrees across the globe, including Europe, for the approval of GM foods) now more clearly emerging how can the continuation of this global experiment be justified by political decision makers? There will come a day when some pretty senior people are going to find themselves in the criminal courts before some very unsympathetic juries. "There is no scientific proof that BSE can be transmitted to man by beef" National Farmers Union of England and Wales, 1996 6 febr. 2001. NATURAL LAW PARTY WESSEX, nlpwessex@bigfoot.com, www.btinternet.com/~nlpwessex ============================================================================ Source: GM Food Report: Ottawa Rapped, "Expert Study Considered Major Setback for Biotech Industry." Peter Calamai Toronto Star February 5, 2001 Comment of PSRASTWe find it satisfying that ultimately a body of distinguished scientists agrees with what PSRAST and other concerned scientists have been maintaining about the dangers of using substantial equivalence for assesing GE food safety. See Inadequate safety assessment of GE foods[EL] "Genetically Engineered Food - Safety Problems" News Introductory articles Health hazards Environmental hazards Global issues Safety issues Alternatives to GE FAQ About us What You can do Membership E-mail How to sponsor us |