abc welcomes today’s publication of the UK Government’s “Science Review” - Science supports the case for GM crops

July 21st 2003. The report confirms that globally there have been no observed detrimental health impacts from the introduction of current GM crops and GM foods, concluding “the risks to human health are very low for GM crops currently on the market”.

The Science Review is based on a wealth of accumulated peer reviewed scientific evidence and nearly 700 publications and supports regulators conclusions on the human and environmental safety of currently commercialised GM crops and derived products.

Whilst acknowledging, as in all walks of life, there is no such thing as absolute certainty or zero risk, the report shows that the vast weight of scientific evidence supports the following conclusions:

· There are no expected or observed detrimental health impacts from the introduction of current GM crops and GM foods;
· Genetic modification, as an option for developing crops, is as predictable and reliable as other crop breeding methods;
· DNA (genes) are a safe normal component of food regardless of origin;
· Case-by-case assessment is essential;
· Field experiments concluded there is no evidence that current GM crops will become “super weeds” concluding "they are very unlikely to invade our countryside or become problematic plants."
· Current herbicide tolerant crops envisaged for the UK offer increased flexibility and an improved environment profile of weed control.

The report also concludes the UK and Europe have a very strict science-based regulatory regime which ensures that today’s GM products are at least as safe and nutritious as other foods. 

While comprehensive regulation and an ongoing absence of untoward effects require vigilant ongoing monitoring, abc believes that the issue of GM food safety has now been very extensively covered and together with the international scientific community, the UK can safely move forward.

A concern identified in the report is that new weed control strategies may eventually make farmers so efficient that farm biodiversity is affected. Although not solely a GM concern the report cautions that GM crops might exacerbate such trends. While conceding this is a possibility if misused, abc is convinced when used under best economic and environmental practice Genetically Modified Herbicide Tolerant (GMHT) crops provide flexible and simple weed control options that do not adversely impact biodiversity. 

abc supports the goal of linking environmental and agricultural practices through various initiatives to help meet government’s agri-environment targets and feels GMHTC will contribute to such initiatives.

The Science Review was initiated to evaluate in depth those areas of concern and issues expressed by the public. abc fully supports all efforts to address and promote understanding in these areas, especially recognising that “the bedrock of this report is peer–reviewed published scientific literature”.

abc supports all such rigorous science-based reviews which lead to a better understanding of the true impact (risk or benefit) of GM crops within the UK and globally, and welcomes the Science Review’s important contribution.

Following the publication of the UK Strategy Unit Report, it is to be hoped that this in-depth review of the science will now provide confidence for the UK to move forward with those other major developed and developing countries in the rest of the world that are already enjoying the consumer, environmental and socio-economic benefits of this key technology.


FURTHER INFORMATION

- Tel +44 (0) 207 898 9103 / 079 0952 1949
- Email enquries@abcinformation.org 
- Website www.abcinformation.org