May 3, 2000 / Greenpeace press release
Brussels/Paris --- Greenpeace today presented the French authorities and
the European Commission an analysis of the flawed risk-assessment of
Novatis' genetically engineered maize and called for an immediate ban of
the crops. The independent report shows that studies submitted by
Novartis to environmental authorities in Europe to prove the safety of
its insect resistant Bt crops were inappropriate and scientifically
flawed.
"This is the first time independent scientists have assessed the studies
presented to the competent authorities and the result is devastating,"
said Arnaud Apoteker of Greenpeace. "It is alarming that the experts of the
French authority as well as the members of the European Commission's
scientific committees could be deceived by such false assumptions and
shoddy methodology. And at the same time the European Commission has ignored
all new evidence on the environmental impact of Bt-maize submitted to it by
Greenpeace."
EcoStrat, a Swiss scientific consultancy specialised in ecological
assessments of biotechnology, reports that studies submitted by Novartis
to assess the impact of the Bt-maize on non-target insects were designed
so poorly that there was virtually no chance to observe any adverse
effects. Yet the French competent authority accepted these studies as
sound scientific evidence and advised that the altered crops were
harmless to insects.
According to EcoStrat most of the industry studies did not simulate the
insects feeding habits realistically and it is questionable whether the
animals actually ingested the toxin to be tested at all. The studies
used inadequate methods derived from chemical toxicity testing and
ignored food chain interactions.
Greenpeace calls upon the French government to immediately ban the
Novartis maize and demands that the European Commission withdraw the
European approval for the controversial crop. Greenpeace will also
submit the report to the French Conseil d'Etat, which will rule on the
legality of the approval of the maize in the coming weeks. "We expect the
French government and the European Commission to request a detailed report
from their scientists and we suggest an independent investigation in their
overall practices," added Apoteker.
Despite EU approval, commercial growing of Novartis maize is presently
banned in France, Austria, Luxembourg and Germany. Commercial growing
only takes place in small quantities in Spain. In the US, where the use
of GE maize declined in 2000 from 35 to 19 per cent, a court case
against all Bt-plants initiated by Greenpeace and 70 farmers
organisations is still pending.
(posted without permission)
