Royal Society launches new study on use of GM plants for food

Press Release 13mar01

The Royal Society is undertaking an independent review of recent research on the benefits and risks of using genetically modified plants in food, it was announced today (13 March).

"There has been much public concern and debate in the media about possible threat of adverse health effects from GM foods," said Dr Jim Smith FRS, Chairman of the working group that is conducting the study. "The Royal Society wants to facilitate discussion of this issue by providing the public and policy-makers with an up-to-date and independent analysis of new scientific evidence about the effects of GM plants on human health."

The study will consider evidence that has been collected since the publication of the Society's last report on GM plants in September 1998. In particular, the working group will investigate the following issues arising from the use of GM plants for food: · potential risks to human health resulting from the use of viral DNA · implications for human nutrition · possible allergies · fate of DNA in the digestive system · use of 'substantial equivalence' in the risk assessment of GM food.

The working group will consider written scientific evidence from interested parties, which should be submitted by 3 April 2001. Some of these parties may also be invited subsequently to present oral evidence at a meeting of the working group. The working group's report will be reviewed by a panel appointed by the Council of the Royal Society, before being published in summer 2001.

In its 1998 report, the Society concluded that genetically modified plants may lead to improvements in food quality, nutrition, health and agricultural practice, but might also pose some risks, by causing allergies for instance.

Dr Smith said: "As the Society's last report pointed out, scientists, industry and policy-makers must appreciate the public's legitimate concerns about GM foods. Consumer confidence, based on an appreciation of the scientific evidence, together with the regulatory checks and balances, is central to the question of whether GM plants will lead to better food in both developed and developing countries."

The members of the working group are: · Dr Eric Brunner (Dept of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London) · Prof Douglas Fearon FRS (Wellcome Trust Immunology Unit, University of Cambridge) · Dr Edward Holmes (Dept of Zoology, University of Oxford) · Prof Alan Jackson (Institute of Nutrition, University of Southampton) · Prof Chris Leaver FRS (Dept of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford) · Prof Tom Meade FRS (MRC Epidemiology and Medical Care Unit, St Bartholomew's and the Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry) · Dr Clare Mills (Institute of Food Research, Norwich) · Prof David Sherratt FRS (Dept of Biochemistry, University of Oxford) · Dr Jim Smith FRS (Chairman-designate; Wellcome CRC Institute, Cambridge) · Prof David Walker FRS (Dept of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield)

NOTES FOR EDITORS 1. The Royal Society is an independent academy promoting the natural and applied sciences. Founded in 1660, the Society has three roles, as the UK academy of science, as a learned Society, and as a funding agency. It responds to individual demand with selection by merit, not by field. The Society's objectives are to: · recognise excellence in science · support leading-edge scientific research and its applications · stimulate international interaction · further the role of science, engineering and technology in society · promote education and the public's understanding of science · provide independent authoritative advice on matters relating to science, engineering and technology · encourage research into the history of science

For further information contact: Bob Ward/Lize King Press and Public Relations The Royal Society, London Tel: 020 7451 2516/2508

source: http://www.royalsoc.ac.uk/templates/press/showpresspage.cfm?file=2001031300.txt