'Misconceptions about GM foods need to be removed'

By G. Venkataramani

BANGKOK, JULY 10. ``Biotechnology has the potential to bring tremendous benefits. But we must make sure that we move ahead responsibly and do not store up trouble for the future. The public's real concern must be addressed and there must be greater transparency of information in the labelling of genetically modified (GM) foods to allow genuine consumer choice,'' said Mr. John Prescott, British Deputy Prime Minister.

Inaugurating the three-day international conference on ``New Biotechnology Food and Crops: Science, Safety and Society'' here today, Mr. Prescott said at the moment, people were by and large deeply suspicious of GM technology - and indeed of science itself. This had helped the press in particular to demonise it. ``That is partly our fault for the failures of the past. There has been a lack of openness and transparency and a genuine belief that the biotechnology industry itself has tried to force products on an unwilling public. All this is a warning that we must get the regulatory regime right. And it is a warning that my Government takes very seriously.''

Dwelling on the developments on this issue in Britain, Mr. Presott said technological developments would be rigorously assessed for risks to human health and the environment. ``We will proceed on a precautionary basis drawing on the best scientific evidence. If there is doubt about a new product, it will not be allowed in the market. That, together with rules on GM food labelling, is the basis of the strict European regulatory system. Despite that the public are still concerned about the impact of GM crops on the environment, the food safety of GM crops and the real social and ethical dilemmas that GM technology raises. ''

Mr. Suwit Khunkitti, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, in his welcome address said Thailand had prohibited commercial production of GM crops but encouraged research in biotechnology. The conference addressed an important and contentious issues and it should bring to focus the concerns of consumers, farmers and other stakeholders.

Dr. Herwig Schlogl, Deputy Secretary-General of the OECD, one of the co-sponsors of the conference, said his organisation provided the platform to analyse complex issues of science. ``It is not just a dialogue between governments, but a dialogue involving the NGOs, industry and the consumers,'' he said. In his opening address, the Earl of Selborne, who is the chairman of the conference, said the major objectives of the conference were two. One was to explore, in consultation with international organizations and interested bodies, the way to integrate scientific knowledge into the international processes for consensus-building on new biotechnology in relation to food and crop safety. And the other was to further the concept of transparent consultation with the involvement of all stakeholders.

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Section  : International
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