EFSA slams GM cancer study as not ‘scientifically sound’

In its initial report into the findings of the much publicised study, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) said there were inadequacies in the design, reporting and analysis of the study. The European regulator said such shortcomings mean that it is “presently unable to regard the conclusions of the controversial study as scientifically sound.” EFSA has called on the French research team behind the study to share any unpublished additional data “in the name of openness and transparency.” “To enable the fullest understanding of the study the Authority has invited authors Séralini et al to share key additional information,” said EFSA. A second, more detailed, EFSA review of the study is expected to take into account any additional data provided by Séralini and his team. The findings of this second review are due by the end of October 2012. The full EFSA report can be found by clicking here. Flawed Dr Per Bergman, director of scientific evaluation of regulated products (REPRO) at EFSA, said while some people may be surprised that EFSA’s findings focus on methodologies rather than the highly publicised findings of the study, issues with methodological inadequacies “goes to the very heart of the matter.” “When conducting a study it is crucial to ensure a proper framework is in place,” explained Bergman. “Having clear objectives and the correct design and methodology create a solid base from which accurate data and valid conclusions can follow.” The European regulator said numerous issues relating to the design and methodology of the study mean that no conclusions can be made about the occurrence of tumours in the rats tested. “Without these elements a study is unlikely to be reliable and valid ,” Bergman reiterated. The European association for bio-industries (EuropaBio) said the EFSA statement gives weight to the ‘wave’ of comments suggesting that the study – with its accompanying film, books and media campaign – “should be seen as a publicity stunt designed to scare consumers and drive a political agenda, rather than to present trustworthy, methodologically correct science upon which policy conclusions can be based.” Key findings EFSA outlined a list of the key issues that it said would need to be resolved before the research could be viewed as well-conducted and properly-reported. These include:

EFSA slams GM cancer study as not ‘scientifically sound’

The European Food Safety Authority says recent research linking Monsanto’s herbicide and genetically modified maize to an increased risk of cancer and premature death is of ‘insufficient scientific quality to be considered valid.’

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