New Food Watchdog Bans EU Countries From Being GM-Free

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http://campaignfortruth.com/Eclub/210703/CTE-GMfoods.htm

 

 

New Food Watchdog Bans EU

Countries From Being GM-Free

 

 

by Sean Poulter

 

Nations and regions which want to stay free of genetically modified crops will

be banned from doing so under a devastating ruling by EU scientists.

 

The decision, the first from the new European Food Safety Authority, means

governments will be unable to stop the controversial plants being grown on their

soil - effectively opening the floodgates.

 

It is a disastrous blow to those British consumers, farmers, politician and

green campaigners who are fearful about the safety of so-called Frankenstein

foods.

 

The administrations in Scotland and Wales and many English local authorities -

particularly in the South West - oppose GM crops.

 

Last night, Greenpeace warned Britain was being dragged into a vast and

unpredictable experiment. Once commercial planting of GM crops is allowed, their

pollen will spread and contaminate the entire countryside.

 

Former environment minister Michael Meacher has warned of gaping holes in our

knowledge about the effect of GM on human health and the countryside. He has

raised the possibility of damage to the immune system, sexual development and

the stomach lining. There are also concerns about new allergies.

 

Separately, there are worries that GM pollen will taint conventional and organic

farms. And research has pointed to the creation of superweeds.

 

Mr Meacher has called on the Government to postpone or ban commercial growing of

GM crops here.

 

However, an EFSA scientific panel has now decided these are not sufficient

reasons for any EU nation or region to choose GM free-status.

 

The ruling is on an application by Upper Austria to be declared a GM-free zone

for all existing GM crops or animals. The rejection of the application - to be

officially published tomorrow - sets a precedent across Europe.

 

In effect, it means a farmer or biotech company will be allowed to grow GM crops

virtually anywhere in the EU, regardless of public fears or political

opposition.

 

Yesterday, Greenpeace called into question the independence of EFSA and its GM

science panel. The chief executive is British civil servant Geoffrey Podger who

was previously in charge of the pro-GM Food Standards Agency here. The British

Government, which from Tony Blair down is seen as supporting GM, was consulted

on who should represent this country on the EU's GM panel.

 

Two of those chosen are GM enthusiasts - Professor Mike Gasson, of the Institute

of Food Research in Norfolk and Professor Jeremy Sweet, of the National

Institute of Agricultural Botany, Cambridge. Greenpeace GM campaigner Nathan

Argent said: " Once again, Tony Blair's science cronies have shown how determined

they are to force this unwanted technology down our throats. Our countryside is

being forced to take part in an unwanted and unpredictable environmental

experiment. Whatever happened to choice " ?

 

But Professor Sweet said those who raise social or moral objections to GM are

" just muddying the waters " . He rejected the health warnings raised by Mr.

Meacher and others saying: " There has to be an acceptance of the integrity of

the science " .

 

An EU moratorium on new GM crops was lifted last week under pressure from the

US. Biotech firms such as Monsanto, are pressing ahead with applications to grow

GM oilseed rape, maize, beet, potatoes and other crops.

 

The first could go into commercial cultivation in Britain and across Europe as

early as next spring.

Daily Mail, Wednesday, 9th July 2003

 

PHILLIP DAY: British citizens may now add one more pressing reason to end our

association with the European Union immediately. Laughably, Professor Sweet

wishes us to accept 'the integrity of the science' behind GM. Perhaps, the same

as we have accepted the integrity of science behind MMR injections, anthrax

shots for our troops and thalidomide?

 

FURTHER RESOURCES:

Ten Minutes to Midnight

Vigilance

 

Available through www.credence.org

 

 

 

 

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