Do we want a Genetically Modified future? Greg Revell Gene Ethics Network

What is Genetic Engineering? A technology that allows for the insertion of genes from one organism into the DNA of another possibly unrelated organism. A GM food has been created using Genetic Engineering technology. Genetically Modified = Genetically Engineered

How are genes transferred? *Gene cassette Blasted by particle gun A T C G

Effect on the DNA Mutations (2-4% of DNA) Deletion of genes Permanently on or off Altered gene expression (up to 5%)

What could go wrong?

Pigs engineered with human gene: some born with no anus or genitals. GM tobacco: created toxic compound not normally found in tobacco. GM yeast: unintentionally increased natural toxin 40 to 200 times. A GM potato: accidentally had its starch content boosted.

FDA (in U.S) declares GMOs no different “The agency is not aware of any information showing that foods derived by these new methods differ from other foods in any meaningful or uniform way.” “Statement of Policy” May 29, 1992

Secret FDA documents revealed that the statement was a lie

Agency scientists warned of: Allergens Toxins New diseases Nutritional problems

Who overruled the scientists? Michael Taylor In charge of FDA policy Former Monsanto lawyer Later Monsanto vice president

Why is the American experience important? Australian authorities adopted American protocols for safety testing Australian approvals granted based on “evidence” from U.S “Evidence” dates back to early 90s.

First GM crop FlavrSavr Tomato

Rats refused to eat the tomato Rats were forced fed through gastric tubes and stomach washes.

After 28 days 7 of 20 rats developed stomach lesions and bleeding Another 7 of 40 died within 2 weeks Tomato was approved  Industry funded study 

GM potatoes damaged rats Rats developed Potentially precancerous cell growth in the digestive tract Smaller brains, livers and testicles Partial atrophy of the liver, and Immune system damage Lancet, 1999

Intestinal Wall Non-GM GM

Stomach Lining Non-GM GM

Russian Academy of Sciences Mice fed GM soy Altered young sperm cells Embryos had altered gene expression

GM soy fed Control GM-soy: disturbance of blood stream Control Mice testicles

GM crop approvals vs hospital admissions

Safety assessment in Australia Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)

Is FSANZ really protecting public health? Does not perform any of its own testing. Merely assesses data from GM companies Does not require any animal feeding studies. No clinical trials required. No post-market surveillance.

FSANZ: The great rubber- stamper Monsanto’s MON863 corn –BANNED in Austria  –Approved by FSANZ  Syngenta’s A-A GM corn –BANNED in Sth Africa  –Approved by FSANZ  Bt63 GM rice –ILLEGAL in EU  –NO ACTION by FSANZ  Syngenta’s Bt10 corn –ILLEGAL in EU, Japan  –Approved by FSANZ         

“But I’ll just read the labels!” GM foods do not have to be labeled if: –Sold in restaurant or food outlet –Food is derived from animals fed GM fodder. –If GM product is an oil, enzyme or processing agent. –If less than 1.0% “accidental” contamination.

Environmental contamination is inevitable Pollen & bees Wind Flood Farm operations Storage & Handler Transport Seed cleaning Contaminated Seed

West Nov 2002: Winds of 100 km/hr or more Australia experiences dust storms regularly WA NSW Canola crop blown away

Mythbusters “GM will feed the world”  “GM uses less pesticides”  “We’ve been genetically modifying plants for years”  “GM has been adopted all over the world”  “GM is rigorously tested”      

What the experts say “ “ We are concerned that FSANZ may be comfortable with the possibility of a significant number of people suffering a hepatitis-like illness as a result of a food that FSANZ has assessed to be safe.” – Public Health Association of Australia “The number of scientists who are not convinced about the safety of GM foods is substantial enough to prevent the existence of a general recognition of safety. I am not aware of any study in the peer-reviewed scientific literature that establishes the safety of even one specific GM food let alone the general class” – Geneticist and Emeritus Professor Richard Lacey M.D., Ph.D “The real threat to the future is the irresponsible and premature release of GMOs that are full of unsound scientific assumptions, rife with careless science, and arrogantly dismissive of valid concerns. The technology is inadequately developed to ensure its safety.” Professor Patrick Brown, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, UCLA.

The final word … “Any politician or scientist who tells you that these [GM] foods are safe is either very stupid or lying.” Dr. David Suzuki

More information …