Letter: Food of the future
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: As a scientist working in biology and medical research, I am very aware of the limitations of molecular biology. The techniques are very powerful and it is relatively easy to show that the desired aim of a genetic modification experiment has been achieved - ie a foreign protein is expressed in a cell.
However, it is almost impossible to predict deleterious effects of the the procedure and therefore to show that a modified plant is safe to eat in large quantities over many years. The evaluation of safety will of necessity also take many years.
Until we have completed extensive trials, GM foodstuffs should not be used in animal foods or mixed with other foods. Any GM product should be clearly labelled.
Faced with the risk that BSE may be transmitted through blood donation, the US government is considering barring blood donation by US citizens who have visited the UK since the BSE outbreak. Faced with much greater potential risks, we should surely be banning the import or production of GM crops.
Dr MARK WORWOOD
Cardiff
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments