September 2003
WHAT IS GM FOOD?
Genetically modified food is made with ingredients such as soya or maize, with genes from other plants, bacteria or even animals added, or with their own genes altered or taken away. They could include bread made from pesticide-resistant wheat, tomato puree from slow-ripening tomatoes or ready meals using weed-killer-resistant beans. One firm also wants to sell GM salmon altered to grow fat in cold water.
IS GM FOOD ON SALE IN BRITAIN?
No. GM tomato puree was once, but such foods were withdrawn because of public concern. GM crops may be grown after environmental safety checks are completed this autumn [in 2003: SS] and labelling rules are agreed. British supermarkets refuse to stock GM food because of public hostility. The US government is taking the EU to court because it has blocked imports of new GM crops.
WHY IS GM FOOD BACK ON THE POLITICAL AGENDA?
The British government's scientific advisers believe that Britain should grow and create GM food for both agricultural and economic benefits. The results of trials to test the impact of GM crops on wildlife will be revealed this autumn [in 2003: Ed]. UK government ministers are also staging a "public debate" to overcome consumer and retailer resistance. Within weeks [in 2003: Ed], the British Government will release reports that praise GM technology.
WHAT DOES THE UK GOVERNMENT WANT?
It fears that UK plc will lose out in the global economy and scientific "arms race" unless Britain can exploit GM technologies. Under pressure from the USA, and from its own advisers, including the UK's Food Standards Agency, it wants to lift a moratorium on GM crops.
IS GM SAFE TO EAT?
Scientists of the UK government insist there is no evidence that GM foods harm human health, and claim that millions of Americans eat GM-based food without ill effect. But some research has shown GM DNA will cross from food into human bacteria. The British Medical Association believes they pose unforeseen health risks and the General Medical Council [of the UK: Ed] fears the biological effects are poorly understood.
IS GM SAFE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT?
Evidence is growing that genes from GM crops will "jump" into conventional crops or weeds, and be carried long distances by tractors or bees. This could produce "superweeds", or contaminate and damage non-GM crops or lead to unforeseen mutations. GM fish could breed with threatened native salmon. But some GM food requires less [sic: Ed] pesticides or herbicides, or grows faster to cut fertiliser use. This could help other plants and wildlife.
WHAT IS THE CASE FOR GM?
Crops can grow faster or bigger, grow in hostile soil, be able to resist disease or drought and fight off parasites. A type of GM rice has high levels of Vitamin A and a GM potato has a third more protein in it. A GM tomato can grow in salty soil. Crops can also have the genes which cause allergies or illness [to be: Ed] "switched off".
WHAT IS THE CASE AGAINST GM?
GM technology is far cruder than admitted and many claimed benefits are unproven or disproved. GM crops could pose unforeseen and irreversible effects. But British crop trials only test their effect on wildlife -- not their threat to other plants. In Canada, superweeds resistant to three types of pesticide have emerged. GM oilseed rape and maize has crossed into non-GM plants. This damages native crops and could permanently alter their genes. GM crops which need less [sic: SS] weedkillers are only tolerant to expensive, patented chemicals. Antibiotic genes in plants could worsen the crisis with antibiotic resistance. Insects and wildlife could be harmed by eating GM pollen or seeds.
WHO CONTROLS THE GM MOVEMENT?
GM seeds and their related fertilisers or herbicides are made by three multinationals: Monsanto, Syngenta and Bayer. GM plants are patented and often expensive to buy, although the UK is creating GM potatoes and rice for Third World farmers. The European Commission wants strict labelling of all GM food and testing of ingredients. UK ministers want strict rules on planting GM crops. Critics complain that the technology is largely controlled by multinationals.
DOES THE [UK] PUBLIC WANT GM FOODS?
No, not yet. Although most consumers will accept biotechnology in medicine, they are suspicious of GM food. Consumers want far more evidence that it is safe and necessary.
