Scientists call for more safety testing of biotechnology products

A report by Britain's Royal Society, the country's most distinguished scientific organization, questions whether current safety tests are adequate for GM foods and calls for more research to rule out the possibility that GM foods can cause allergic reactions. The report also expresses concerns over the use of GM soy in baby food, saying babies may be more vulnerable to developing allergies. The Royal Society concluded that GM foods licensed for sale in the UK are safe.

In a report to the government, France's food safety agency (AFSSA) said more tests are needed to determine the possible health effects of GM crops. AFSSA said current rules on GM foods do not offer complete health guarantees for consumers, and raised questions about possible long-term health side effects, particularly allergy risks.
(Source: just-food.com, Reuters)
(March 2003)