No health risk from GM food, says chief scientist
RESEARCH has not uncovered any significant negative health effects from genetically modified (GM) food, the government's chief scientific adviser said yesterday.
Scientific evidence has overwhelmingly shown that food derived from GM crops or from animals fed on GM feed is safe, Professor Patrick Cunningham said.
"GM crops and GM foods continue to be one of the most contentious public issues in European society," he said.
"While there are obvious technical and economic benefits, there is widespread apprehension about the technology, due to concerns over the perceived risks."
GM food was an "iconic technology" in terms of arousing public hostility in Ireland and Europe.
However, with over 100 million hectares of GM crops now grown worldwide and strong cost benefits for farmers, it wasn't going to go away.
Most of the published research on GM foods dealt with the technology itself, and no such research into its safety had been carried out in Europe.
"We could take a lead in Europe by commissioning additional research to address this," said Professor Cunningham.
"Ireland is working to become a leader in scientific research, and this area offers an excellent opportunity to provide a valuable service."
There was already funding to support such research, through the government's Food Institutional Research Measure, but so far GM foods were not being looked at.
Ireland also needed to import two million tonnes a year of grain to feed pigs, poultry and cattle, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to source GM-free feed.
Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan said yesterday that she had not yet decided how she would vote on the issue of whether or not to authorise a new strain of Herculex GM maize. The matter is due to be voted on later this month.
