| Findings
of American food crops contaminated by DNA sequences from GM
crops have prompted U.S. scientists to warn the public of the
possible serious risks this process poses to human health.
Studies have shown that certain crops--so-called "pharm
crops"--have been genetically modified to produce proteins
to promote healing for conditions such as cystic fibrosis,
cirrhosis of the liver and specific antibodies that fight
cancer. Conventional drugs are required to follow strict guidelines
that prevent them from filtering into the food chain or contaminating
the environment. On the other hand, at this time there are
not any forms of control over the DNA sequence from pharm
crops.
Most of the concerns of the GM contamination are centered
on cross-pollination in the field, however authors speculate
that contamination happens as a result of failing to keep
GM and traditional seeds separate from each other during the
manufacture and distribution process.
Researchers caution that until we know differently, it is
critical to assume that any engineered sequencing of crops
could potentially lead to a contaminated seed supply.
New
Scientist February 23, 2004
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