| | 18/May/23
| | EU finally funds detection methods research for new GM plants The EU is finally funding detection research for new GM plant products. The latest Horizon Europe funding programme for 2023-24 makes 10 million EUR available for research on the detection of gene-edited GM plant products. The call for research proposals, published by the European Commission in December, aims to “contribute to ensuring traceability and authenticity, enhancing transparency and promoting innovation in the area of new genomic techniques”. GMWatch welcomes the Commission's move, as the industry continues to use the supposed non-detectability of new GM products as a reason not to require traceability and labelling. However, the main obstacle to validated detection and identification methods is the industry itself. GMWatch Unintended effects found in GM soybean include increased levels of allergens A recent study proposes a more advanced and thorough means to evaluate potential changes to the compositional profile of genetically modified (GM) crops, in order assess unintended effects with potential food safety implications. Using advanced molecular "omics" profiling techniques that can assess global changes to levels of RNA, protein and metabolites in a plant, the study on a GM soybean revealed a range of unintended changes in compositional profile, including increased levels of allergens and 70 proteins that were differentially expressed compared to the conventional counterpart. The scientists concluded that these changes have potential biological significance, with alteration to several metabolic pathways (related to protein synthesis and processing). GMWatch has long advocated including "omics" analyses in the risk assessment of older-style and new GM crops. Thus far, this hasn't happened. Third World Network via GMWatch Gene editing regulation – acknowledging uncertainty As the UK and EU consider deregulation of gene edited organisms, a persistent criticism has been a failure to acknowledge the importance of uncertainty in determining risk, safety and appropriateness. Join experts examining the many facets of uncertainty by registering for this free webinar. A Bigger Conversation Efficacy and health issues stop release of genetically engineered mosquitoes in California; Florida continues British biotech company Oxitec is withdrawing its application to release billions of genetically engineered mosquitoes in California, according to a recent update from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR). The withdrawal is a victory for environmental and health campaigners concerned about the release of a novel mosquito that the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had previously authorised under an “experimental use” permit. “Genetically engineered mosquitoes are an environmental justice issue for Tulare County residents who should not be human experiments,” said Angel Garcia, codirector of the statewide coalition Californians for Pesticide Reform and Tulare County resident. Concerns over health impacts were combined with an overall lack of proven efficacy with results to date. While Oxitec has made claims that it is able to reduce populations of disease-carrying Aedes aegypti by 98%, this claim has not been publicly verified, as US regulators permit companies to maintain their internal data as confidential business information. Although these mosquitoes will no longer be released in California, approval in Florida does not appear to have changed. Beyond Pesticides Low-dose glyphosate exposure significantly impacts gut microbiota composition Low-dose glyphosate exposure significantly impacts gut microbiota composition, according to a new study in mice. The alterations were associated with effects on gut homeostasis characterised by an increase in markers of intestinal inflammation. The effects were seen from glyphosate exposure at doses approximating the US Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI, a level that regulators claim can be consumed over the long term without harm to health). [GMW: The study was carried out with glyphosate alone, not the glyphosate-based herbicide formulations as sold and used.] Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology 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
Profiles: http://www.powerbase.info/index.php/GM_Watch:_Portal
Twitter: http://twitter.com/GMWatch
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/GMWatch/276951472985?ref=nf |
|
