UK govermental review: GM crops 'low risk' for humans

GM crops 'low risk' for humans

Human health is at a "very low" risk from the current generation genetically modified (GM) crops, the government's scientific review is set to conclude.
The report by 25 scientists, to be published on Monday, will say the crops are in all likelihood safe to eat.

It is also expected to say GM crops are unlikely to lead to the creation of "superweeds".

But BBC science correspondent Pallab Ghosh says the scientists - many of whom are from anti-GM pressure groups - will admit there are doubts about the effect on wildlife in the countryside.

They are also expected to express concerns about the flow of genetic material to non-GM crops, saying it may be difficult, if not impossible, to grow certain crops because the GM genes would spread too far.

Different genetic modifications may stack up in one plant leading to unpredictable effects, they are set to say.

The review, chaired by the government's chief scientific adviser Professor Sir David King, is the most thorough ever undertaken into GM technology.

It is part of a number of measures being used by the government to help it decide whether or not to allow GM crops to be commercially grown in the UK.

A decision is expected later this year.

'Safeguards needed'

A public debate has also been held on the issue, with about 25,000 giving their views at meetings or through the internet.

The public consultation ended on Friday, and the findings are due to be published in September.

Earlier this month, a report on the economic impact of GM crops, by the Cabinet Office Strategy Unit, concluded the commercial growing of the crops would bring little short-term benefit to the British economy.

Anti-GM group Friends of the Earth said on Monday the scientists needed to acknowledge there jad not been sufficient research into the environmental impact of GM crops.

"Over recent days it has become clear that there is no economic benefit from growing GM crops, mainly because people don't want to eat GM food," GM campaigner Clare Oxborrow said.

"The government should safeguard our environment and help UK farmers meet the considerable demand for GM-free ingredients by refusing to allow GM crops to be commercially grown in the UK. "


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