As the Genetic Technology Bill progresses unhindered to the House of Lords, there seems to be a serious disconnect from the significant implications of this troubling legislation. As currently drafted, the bill removes any labelling and traceability requirements for a hypothetical sub-class of GMO, the so-called "precision bred organisms". The issues surrounding these organisms both in terms of their legal definition and trade are huge. Government’s continued insistence that ‘precision breeding’ is nothing to worry about does not instil the confidence or reassurance needed on such an important matter. Without adequate risk assessments being undertaken, we’re rapidly heading into uncharted territory. Most alarmingly, as the draft legislation stands, these exempted organisms will effectively be hidden in the food system, but at what cost? Roger Kerr, CEO, Organic Farmers & Growers examines the implications of the Bill for farmers and businesses. The Grocer

 

 

Critics say the European Commission’s move to remove regulatory safeguards from (deregulate) gene-edited crops is driven not by science, but by agribusiness lobbying, and that the current regulatory regime should be maintained. They are also concerned about the potential lack of transparency for consumers. Molecular geneticist Michael Antoniou at King’s College London warns that gene-editing technology is not as precise as claimed, is not the equivalent to breeding and is a GM technology. He fears unintended changes in the plants' biochemistry and composition. “You risk the possibility of creating new toxins and new allergens or adding to known toxins and allergens,” he says. For the EU to deregulate gene editing would require a qualified majority. But Germany, the biggest member, has already said it would remain neutral, which counts as a “no” vote. “I don’t think we currently have a majority of member states,” says Jorasch of [industry lobby group] Euroseeds. Lawmakers may be influenced by a growing popular backlash against the tech. A recent public consultation by the European Commission received 70000 responses with 98% opposed to policy change. FT (paywalled)

 

 

Moms Across America (MAA) tested American school lunch samples to determine their levels of toxicity and nutrition. MAA tested school lunches for glyphosate, pesticides, heavy metals, veterinary hormones, and nutrients and minerals. High levels of glyphosate, pesticides, and heavy metals were found in a significant percentage of samples, while veterinary hormones were found in several samples. The school lunches were shown to be broadly deficient of nutrients and minerals. The high levels of toxicants and low levels of nutrition are linked to a variety of negative health consequences in children, especially impacting low-income children. GMOScience

 

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