Dr Jane Goodall: supporters of GM food deluded & ‘anti-science’ (backs new anti-GM book)

[PaulaFarrell]

58. I'd be satisfied if GM foods were subjected to the same types of tests as pharmaceuticals

The only time that has been done (peas, Australia) the product was withdrawn due to the dangers found.

As it stands, GM foods are deemed to be "substantially the same" as non-GM foods and don't go through those types of tests.

From Monsanto's website:

"DNA and RNA are a normal part of every plant and animal, and therefore in virtually every meal we eat. DNA and RNA carry no dietary hazard and are “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) in the United States, and are considered safe by food safety experts globally. Proteins are also a normal part of the human diet, are extensively digested, and generally present no hazards, but that must be confirmed for the specific proteins introduced in GM crops. To do this, an analysis of protein structure and function is performed and testing of digestibility is conducted to establish safety of the introduced proteins.

As long as the introduced gene protein is determined safe (an initial step in the safety assessment) and the GM and non-GM crops are alike in all respects, the GM crop is said to be substantially equivalent, or “equal to,” their conventional counterparts and are not expected to pose any health risks. Experts in the field of food safety are satisfied that this approach is sufficient and reliable to assure the GM crops are as safe their conventional counterparts. This expert community does not see a need and thus does not recommend long-term tests in humans in order to establish food safety."