Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
resulting from the genetic modification and those differences originat-
ing from the plant's germplasm. This strategy is still problematic accord-
ing to its opponents, because looking for such equivalence involves mak-
ing assumptions and judgments without fully understanding many of the
intrinsic qualities of the GM and conventional crops being compared,
and the possible relevance of even small differences between them. One
of their main concerns is that GM technology with its subtle transfor-
mations of DNA using various types of bacterial and viral DNA may
trigger health and environmental effects that may take years to manifest
themselves.
38
Scientific Advice
Safety assessments should be comprehensive and incorporate evidence
from toxicological, nutritional, and environmental studies. Communicat-
ing to the public the careful scientific considerations that go in to GM
testing is important for public understanding and regulator credibility.
However, Dutch and European citizens alike feel that scientists lack the
requisite knowledge to accurately predict long-term consequences for
health, the environment, and society.
39
Indeed, many of these studies
involve assumptions about the duration of certain tests that are needed
to sufficiently estimate long-term consequences. And each of the stud-
ies must make an assumption about what is “long term.” In addition,
assumptions must also be made to fill data gaps and set margins of safety.
The public is largely unaware of these careful scientific considerations,
which come much closer to objective evaluations of agri-biotechnology.
Thus, communications should also illuminate this judgmental aspect of
testing. In this regard, it should be emphasized that the EU approach
works cooperatively with international organizations such as the
OECD Group of National Experts on Safety in Biotechnology, OECD
38
D. Carusso, 2006.
Intervention Confronting the Real Risks of Genetic Engineering and
Life on a Biotech Planet
. Hybrid Vigor Press.
39
K. H. Madsen & P. Sandøe, Ethical Reflections on Herbicide-Resistant Crops, 61
Pest
Management Science
318-325 (2005).
