| | 05/April/23
| | Gene-edited crops: The threat to health On 22 May 2022 molecular geneticist Dr Michael Antoniou was interviewed about the UK government's deregulation of gene-edited GM crops and animals by Tom Heap on BBC's Countryfile. We've published a transcript of Dr Antoniou's interview. The crux of the issue, which all policymakers and regulatory agencies need to bear in mind, is Dr Antoniou's statement: "Gene editing tools... invariably produce unintended DNA damage. If that happens, you end up changing the biochemistry and composition of the crop. And that could include the production of novel toxins and allergens. This is why we've got to keep strict regulation of these products." GMWatch Forest Stewardship Council backs away from genetic engineering The Board of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the world’s leading forest product certifier, decided at their March meeting to back away from a process that critics charge would have put forests at risk and would have opened the door to overturning FSC’s long-time core certification policy that prohibits the commercial use of genetically engineered trees. “FSC is right to reject genetically engineered trees as a danger to forests,” said Kaitlyn Duthie-Kannikkatt of the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network, which closely monitored the FSC discussions. “The field testing and release of genetically engineered trees pose unprecedented threats to forests, wildlife, and communities that live near them.” The Campaign to STOP GE Trees is hailing this as a victory in forest protection. GMWatch Free webinar: Opening the door to gene editing in the UK: Farm animals, pets and wild nature - 10 May 2023 The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act is now law in the UK. It removes what the government called “regulatory burdens” from certain types of genetically engineered (so-called "precision bred") organisms commonly used in agriculture. The removal of basic regulatory controls such as environmental, health and safety assessments, labelling, traceability and ongoing monitoring would be controversial enough on its own. But what many don’t know – because it has not been widely reported or discussed – is that the scope of the bill extends far beyond the usual handful of commodity crops found on the farm into a wide range of animals, including farmed animals (both land-based and in aquaculture) and pets, as well as to animals and plants found in wider nature. This is a sea change in the UK’s approach to the potential uses of genetic engineering. This webinar is an opportunity to explore aspects of this new UK legislation from the perspectives of ethics, welfare and environmental impact. A Bigger Conversation Biotech meat company fails It was going to happen eventually, writes public health attorney and food writer Michele Simon. Even with what seems like endless piles of cash floating around, a “cell-cultured meat” company finally ran out of money: “New Age Eats” is officially dead. “Founder” and CEO Brian Spears has lamented his “painful decision” to shut the company doors. But Simon comments, "In fact, it’s not a decision when cash runs out, it’s simple math, but whatever." Simon reviews several signs that Spears didn’t know what he was doing and yet somehow raised $32 million from "dumb and gullible" investors. michelersimon.com Poking the bear (Bayer): Mexico pushes ahead with sharp phase-out of glyphosate In the midst of a high-stakes stand-off with US trade officials, Mexico has announced a 50% slash in the amount of glyphosate weed killer allowed to be imported into the country this year. The move is part of Mexico’s previously announced plans to phase out glyphosate in the country by 2024 and ratchet back imports of GMO corn- plans that pit Mexico against an angry agrochemical industry. There are at least 12 alternatives to glyphosate, “which do not risk the Mexican countryside or the health of the population,” the health ministry said in announcing the new quota. UnSpun We hope you’ve enjoyed this newsletter, which is made possible by readers’ donations. Please support our work with a one-off or regular donation. Thank you! __________________________________________________________ Website: http://www.gmwatch.org
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