The Government's "independent" review of the science of GM, published today (Monday 21 July 2003), found that GM poses low risks to human health. However, the review raised doubts about the effects GM could have on the wider environment - particularly wildlife.
The report said GM has had "no verifiable untoward toxic or nutritionally deleterious effects" on human health. Greenpeace believes it is too soon to ascertain whether or not GM crops and foods are safe.
Surprisingly, the report was not completely in favour of GM. The Government's chief scientific adviser, Sir David King, who chaired the panel, said its findings could not be seen as an approval of all GM crops.
Greenpeace Chief Scientist Dr Doug Parr said that even though the committee was "deliberately stacked with GM flag-wavers" its report "makes it clear there are areas of huge uncertainty."
When the review was announced, Greenpeace noted that:
- Professor David King appointed a number of well-known and vocal advocates of GM, yet very few scientists who could be considered sceptical or even questioning.
- Whilst the safety of GM foods remains a key issue with the public, the only food safety experts appointed to the panel are already closely involved with the Government's food safety committee, the ACNFP. This committee has repeatedly stressed that GM foods are safe - if the Science Review asks the same questions with a similar mindset it will come up with the same unsatisfactory answers.
- Non-government organisations were only allocated 2 nominations out of the 27 places on the panel.
Greenpeace's Dr Doug Parr called on the Government to stop its headlong rush towards a US-style embrace of GM crops and food.
Meanwhile, Greenpeace volunteers dressed as Uncle Sam protested outside the World Trade Organisation's headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The activists dumped GM maize on other volunteers wearing straitjackets, symbolically suffocating consumers' demand for the right to say no to GM food.
The activists replaced the WTO insignia with a new sign, "World Transgenic Order", denouncing it for promoting the interests of the GM industry.
