GM Food: Scientists clash over tests on modified potatoes
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.TWO SCIENTISTS at the centre of the controversy over genetically modified food clashed last night over crucial statements issued about the results of experiments on rats fed on GM potatoes.
Arpad Pusztai, who was suspended last year from the Rowett Research Institute, near Aberdeen, after suggesting GM food is unsafe, told the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee he had never been shown press releases about his work issued by the institute.
He said subsequent confusion in the press over what sort of lectin - plant toxins - had been used in the experiment would not have arisen if he had been able to see the press releases before they went out.
His institute said that Dr Pusztai had become confused about the "con A" lectin and another lectin from the snowdrop plant, which is why he was suspended.
Dr Pusztai's boss, Philip James, the director of the Rowett institute, told the committee Dr Pusztai had ample opportunity to correct any inaccuracies in the press releases. This contradicted Dr Pusztai's assurance to the committee that he had not seen the press releases until they had been issued.
Professor James said that Dr Pusztai had referred to experiments on the con A lectin, when these experiments had not in fact been carried out at the time of his interview on television.
"It's been quite astonishing how events have been misrepresented," Professor James said. He said that Dr Pusztai had not only seen a copy of the press release referring to the experiments but that he had rewritten a part of it.
"Dr Pusztai had actually presented information that turned out to be untrue, there was confusion in his group and his collaborators were outraged," Professor James said.
Dr Pusztai told the committee that after the television broadcast many people phoned him about the con A lectin experiment, whereas in fact he had referred only to the snowdrop lectin experiment. Dr Pusztai also said he had not seen a press release issued by World in Action, which instigated the publicity that led to his dismissal.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments