Agence France Presse
WASHINGTON, April 5 (AFP) - A prestigious US science panel said Wednesday it found no evidence of danger from genetically modified crops and that there is "no strict distinction" between the risks posed by these foods and plants modified by conventional practices.
However, the National Research Council said in a report that more research is needed on the health and environmental effects of transgenic crops, and that the US government should adopt "flexible" rules that can be updated "to reflect improved scientific understanding."
"Public acceptance of these foods ultimately depends on the credibility of the testing and regulatory process," said committee chair Perry Adkisson.
"The federal agencies responsible for regulating transgenic plants have generally done a good job, but given the current level of public concern and following our review of the data, it is the committee's belief that the agencies must bolster the mechanisms they use to protect human health and the environment."
The new study by the council, part of the government-funded National Academy of Sciences, is likely to bring new arguments to the controversy over the safety of foods containing Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
The panel of scientists said "it was not aware of any evidence suggesting foods on the market today are unsafe to eat as a result of genetic modification," the report said.
"And it said that no strict distinction exists between the health and environmental risks posed by plants genetically engineered through modern molecular techniques and those modified by conventional breeding practices."
The Biotechnology Industry Organization, which represents companies and researchers involved in genetically engineered products, said the report should assure consumers that the foods are not hazardous.
"We're pleased this timely report reassures consumers that foods derived from plant biotechnology are thoroughly tested and safe," said the association's vice president Val Giddings.
(posted without permission)
