UK Expert Panel Split on GM Food Risks

Factomatic writes "The U.K. government's chief scientist and chairman of a panel of experts charged with assessing the risks of genetically modified (GM) foods says he is concerned about the environmental and wildlife impact of GM foods. But in its first report, published on July 21, the government's divided GM Science Review Panel found the risk GM foods pose to humans is probably low. Former environment minister Michael Meacher said the report is a "public scandal" because "they say that they have found no evidence that eating GM food causes a health risk but... no-one has actually looked for the evidence; it is just assumed." Still, the report is "neither a green light nor a red light to GM crops," said Sir David King, chair of the panel. A press release about the report is also online, and the panel is seeking public comment on the report and on GM foods in general."

Comments

Re:The sky is falling.

[Unknown Kadath]

And I suppose if you are wrong you'll have the good grace to blush.

I don't blush. I'm shameless. ;)

Everything mankind does destroys the world as we know it.

My point, poorly phrased though it seems to be, is that, on the list of Stuff We Should Be Worried About, GM foods rank lower but get more press than a lot of other things.

The real issue is whether or not people want them, the next issue is if their reasons are valid to them, and then if they are valid to you. But valid or not, I hope the majority vote wins and if food labelling of GM ingredients is followed the market can decide without legislation or even formal vote.

As for labelling, it shouldn't be the province of the legislature or market forces, but of a regulatory body. I'm American, and I don't trust my elected representatives or the overwhelming majority of my fellow citizens to find their asses with both hands and written directions. Maybe the UK Parliament and populace are better, but I doubt it. Scientific decision-making is best left to those who understand it, and a majority vote means nothing in science.

-Carolyn

Re:The sky is falling.

[Anonymous Coward]

Are there risks associated with GM organisms? Yes. Will GM orgamisms destroy the world as we know it? No.

'Safe' nuclear power gave us several major accidents. The difference between 'safe' nuclear power and 'safe' GM foods is one doesn't sprincal itself over the entire world for all eternity when it goes wrong. Mucking around with GM food is like screwing around with a hex editor and a trojan wrapper. Stupid arrogant humans.