Controversy over agricultural biotechnology continues
In the United States, some 70 million acres of transgenic crops were grown in 1999 (out of 98.6 million transgenic acres globally), and an estimated two-thirds of the
Controversy over agricultural biotechnology continues
In the United States, some 70 million acres of transgenic crops were grown in 1999 (out of 98.6 million transgenic acres globally), and an estimated two-thirds of the U.S. food supply now contains genetically modified ingredients. While grower adoption of herbicide - and insect-resistant crops has been rapid and widespread since their introduction in 1995, controversies have arisen at home and abroad concerning how transgenic crops and foods will be regulated, traded and labeled in the 21st century.
For example, Japan, South Korea, Australia and the European Union are working on laws requiring mandatory labeling of food products containing transgenic ingredients. Meanwhile, European demand for U.S. soybeans and corn has declined, resulting in a significant decline in exports. Bills requiring labeling of genetically modified organisms have been introduced in the U.S. Congress as well as California. Major food companies — including Frito-Lay, Heinz and Gerber — have announced plans to exclude transgenic ingredients from some of their products.
The first international treaty regulating trade in transgenic products, the United Nations Biosafety Protocol, was adopted in early 2000 by more than 130 nations including the United States. The Protocol seeks to “minimize the risks that biotechnology poses to the planet's diverse natural resources by regulating trade in living modified organisms.” It requires that any international shipments of bioengineered bulk commodities, such as corn or soybeans, be accompanied by documentation stating that they “may contain” living modified organisms.
National Academy of Sciences (NAS) report. In April 2000, the NAS Committee on Genetically Modified Pest-Protected Plants issued its report on the science and regulation of transgenic crops. The report stressed there is no evidence that genetically engineered foods pose unique risks compared with those that are conventionally brad. The report also acknowledged that genetic engineering could improve plant health and agricultural productivity, and lessen the need for chemical pesticides. However, the committee identified ways that the research regimen for testing transgenic crops and current regulatory framework could be strengthened.
“There is an urgency to complete the regulatory framework for transgenic, pest-protected plant products because of the potential diversity of novel traits that could be introduced by transgenic methods and because of the rapid rate of adoption and public controversy regarding transgenic crops,” the committee wrote.
The committee recommended that:
Priority should be given to improving methods for identifying potential allergens.
The impacts on nontarget organisms should be determined, compared with impacts of standard and alternative agricultural practices, through rigorous field evaluations.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should reconsider its categorical exemption of transgenic pest-protectants derived from sexually compatible plants; EPA should not categorically exempt viral coat proteins from regulation.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should put a high priority on finalizing and releasing preliminary guidance on the assessment of potential food allerg