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15 Oct 1999
Friends of the Earth has welcomed the Lancet's decision to publish research by Dr Ewen and Dr Puzstai on the feeding of GM potatoes to rats and accompanying commentaries [1].The publication of the research letter follows a 14 month debate on the validity of the results.
Friends of the Earth backs the Lancet's criticism of prominent scientists for “berating critics rather than engaging them” and the Royal Society for “criticising reports of research...before those data were reviewed and published in the proper way.” Although Friends of the Earth agrees that the results are “preliminary and non-generalisable”, the Government should not ignore Ewan and Pusztai's conclusions.
Scientific concern about the potential impacts of GM food clearly exist. Other commentaries in the Lancet highlight the problem of using laboratory animals in assessing food safety.This adds weight to the scientific debate continued in last weeks Nature on current GM food safety assessment.
Charles Secrett, Executive Director of Friends of the Earth said:
“We congratulate the Lancet on its decision to publish this research. This has provided an opportunity for Dr Ewen and Dr Pusztai to tell the world about their work. The debate generated by this issue clearly shows that there is no scientific consensus about the safety of GM food or the methods used to research it. The Government should suspend all GM food approvals and instigate an assessment of the best methods to research their safety. Continuing to allow GM food onto the market in the present climate ignores the precautionary principle which is supposed to underpin the Government's approach to protecting public health and the environment.”
NOTES TO EDITORS:
[1] Lancet Vol 354, October 16, 1999
Contact details:
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