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1999 CSA Conference Report
--------------------------
by Janet Armil and Carolyn and Tom Sullivan
[Note: Most of the highlights from the conference were covered in a
previous issue of this newsletter (Dec. 1999). This item was held
until now due to space considerations.--ed.]
Genetically Engineered Foods: Unanswered Health Questions, Michael
---------------------------------------------------------- Hansen,
Ph.D., Research Associate, Consumer Policy Institute and Consumer
Union, Yonkers, NY [Publisher, Consumer Reports]
Genetically engineered foods are those in which genes have been
introduced into the plant to, ostensibly, increase herbicide tolerance
or bug resistance. The major genetically engineered crops today are
corn (about 30%), soybeans (about 50%), canola, cotton and potatoes.
Dr. Hansen stated that there is NO evidence of health problems with
genetically engineered foods on the market today. BUT, there are no
studies to prove the long term safety of genetically engineered foods.
This is a new and powerful technology that allows the barriers between
species to be breached and there is no long term knowledge of the
results. His concerns are that the technology is inadequately
regulated and insufficiently identified for consumers.
Genetically engineered foods today are not required to undergo any
pre-market safety testing, have any unique labeling, or provide any
consumer notification. The U.S. is increasingly isolated in its
refusal to label genetically engineered foods. [Author's note: the
European Union requires labeling of genetically engineered foods. The
United Kingdom (England) will not allow the importation of genetically
engineered foods. A review of genetically engineered foods is
contained in Consumer Reports, September 1999, pg. 41-46 and pg. 7.
A website for a group seeking more research and regulation is
<http://www.SAFE-FOOD.org>.]
With current technology there is no control of the precise location or
attachment of the implanted gene in the host organism. Because of
this imprecision, the implications of the following genetic
engineering assumptions on human health are unknown:
* The implanted gene exhibits the same behavior before and after
implantation, i.e., there is a linear causal chain.
* There are no environmental effects from the implanted gene.
* The implanted gene remains constant and stable.
* The implanted gene remains both in the host organism and at the
site where it is implanted.
Potential issues or concerns with genetically engineered foods
include:
* The creation of unanticipated toxins in the host.
* The transfer of allergens to the host from the marker gene. This
has not occurred to date because no KNOWN allergen source has been
utilized as a marker gene. However, if the same food product is
both genetically altered and not genetically altered it will be
very difficult to find the source of an allergy without some
obvious product differentiation.
* The transfer of antibiotic resistance to the host from the marker
gene. DNA can survive digestion by both animals and humans.
* A reduction in nutrient levels of the genetically altered food.
The U.S. does not require labeling of genetically engineered foods.
Many other countries do. The topic is on the agenda of the World
Trade Organization (WTO) for discussion in November.
The recommendations of Dr. Hansen and Consumer Reports are for more
safety studies, mandatory labeling and some process for tracing a
change to its source.
Audience questions elicited the following:
* There is no visual way to differentiate between a genetically
engineered ear of corn and a non-genetically engineered ear.
* There are three federal agencies involved in food safety: the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is part of the
Department of Health and Human Resources under Secretary Donna
Shallala; the Animal Plant Inspection Service (APIS) of the
Agriculture Department; and the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA).
* The FDA responds to numbers-the number of letters, phone calls,
etc.
* The Sierra Club, Friends of the Earth and PIRGIM (Public Interest
Research Group In Michigan) are actively involved in the
genetically engineered foods issue.
* A grassroots group on the internet interested in genetically
engineered food issues can be found at <http://www.safe-food.org>.
* A method of asking questions and receiving answers on the internet
can be found at <http://www.ask.com>.
Dr. Hansen can be reached by e-mail at <[log in to unmask]>.
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