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The GM debate

Genetic modified foods is one of the great opinion-dividers of our times. Do we know for sure that they will now reap irreparable damage on the environment and human health? Or could GM foods be the answer to a secure food supply for the world’s growing population?

Three speedy GM maize approvals ease soy imports

03-Nov-2009 - The European Commission last week approved three varieties of genetically modified maize for import and processing for food and feed uses, as soy imports into the EU were held up by the bloc’s zero tolerance policy.

Spanish research cites health worry as GM barrier

19-Oct-2009 - Spanish consumers report not knowing much about genetically modified foods, but being very concerned about potential effects on human health, says a new study that suggests more policies are needed to open up the market.

GMO risk assessment must be transparent

23-Sep-2009 - More work is needed on opening up GM assessment to integrate public concerns, attendees at a conference on the possible risks of genetically modified organisms heard this week.

GM policy could bring price, supply issues, warns UK

02-Sep-2009 - The UK government has warned that the EU’s hardline on GM food could disrupt the supply chain and result in price hikes.

EFSA opinions give Monsanto new Euro confidence

30-Jun-2009 - The European Food Safety Authority has issued positive opinions on the safety of Monsanto’s MON 810 corn trait and Roundup Ready 2 corn product, giving the firm confidence that Europe could become more accepting of genetic modification.

EU proposal for national opt-outs on GM crops

22-Jun-2009 - A proposal to allow individual countries in the European Union to opt out of growing genetically modified (GM) crops is to be tabled this week at a top-level meeting at the European Commission.

EFSA confirms GM antibiotic-related gene safety

12-Jun-2009 - The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has reaffirmed that two antibiotic resistance marker genes, nptII and aadA, pose no threat to humans or the environment.

Monsanto files suit against Germany over GM ban

22-Apr-2009 - Monsanto has filed a lawsuit against the German government after the EU member state banned planting of its genetically modified MON810 maize last week.

Weekly comment

Changing the tune on GM

16-Feb-2009 - The GM debate at times seems much like the Hokey Cokey (or Pokey, if you’re US-based). There’s been a lot of putting in, some putting out, and quite a lot of shaking things all about, but as of yet, there hasn’t really been a turnaround and definitely no ra, ra, ra!

Tesco boss hints at GM backing

11-Feb-2009 - Tesco chief executive Sir Terry Leahy has signalled that the retailer is willing to back genetically modified (GM) foods, saying consumer attitudes have changed and it has a vital part to play.

Root hair research could lead to crop yield increase

15-Dec-2008 - Scientists have made strides into understanding how to increase crop yields by boosting a plant’s intake of nutrients and water, which could help improve food sustainability.

Purple tomatoes may make UK hungry for GM, says USDA

09-Dec-2008 - A successful trial of biotech tomatoes with high anthocyanin that saw them increase the life-span of cancer-prone rats could help strengthen the positive side of the GM debate in the UK, says the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service.

EFSA opinion discounts French GM maize fears

06-Nov-2008 - French claims that a genetically modified maize product poses a potential health risk have been disputed by a newly published scientific report by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

European shoppers do not steer clear of GM labels, says study

15-Oct-2008 - European consumers do buy GM foods when they are available in supermarkets, an EU survey has concluded – despite shoppers’ protestations that they would avoid products bearing a GM label.

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