Amsterdam, February 12, 1999--Greenpeace today demanded an immediate ban on genetically engineered foods after the release of a memorandum of 22 international scientists supporting an earlier study which showed that GE foods might have severe health risks.
The 22 scientists from 16 countries, announced their support for Dr. Arpad Pusztai of the Rowett Institute, who was dismissed by the institute last year after announcing his concern over health risks of GE food. The 22 scientists conclude that even the data published in the Rowett Institute's own Audit report "showed very clearly that the transgenic GNA potato had significant effects in the immune function." They call for full publication of Pusztai's data and his exoneration.
"There is no justification for using millions of people as guinea pigs for a genetic experiment without even asking whether we want to participate," said Greenpeace genetic Engineering coordinator Benedikt Haerlin.
Dr. Pusztai from the Rowett Institute, Aberdeen, UK conducted experiments feeding rats with genetically engineered (GE) potatoes. He was dismissed in August last year after announcing that significant impacts on the rat's immune system as well as on some of their vital organs had been observed. He is still not allowed to speak about his case in the public.
"It appears unclear what caused the problems in the rats," said Haerlin. "For all we know they might have been caused by the virus used to transfer the alien DNA to the potatoes. This is the same virus used in Monsanto's Roundup Ready soy that is available in markets around the world."
The Rowett Institute Audit report claimed that the data Dr Pusztai referred to had been inconsistent and that it did not support his conclusions. Neither this data nor the report Dr. Pusztai's wrote in response to the Institute's Audit has ever been published.
"We don't know who ordered Dr. Pusztai's suspension and we cannot comment on the report's scientific validity," Haerlin commented, "but we do know that there is no need and no justification to produce and sell genetically engineered food. Of course further research and a full investigation of this latest scandal around GE food is needed, but no food should be on the market until it is proven safe," said Haerlin.
More information: Benny Haerlin, Greenpeace GE campaign coordinator: 49.171.3569109. Doug Parr Campaigner Greenpeace UK: 44.171.865 8214. Mika Railo, Greenpeace International press officer: 31.20.5249 548
Greenpeace International Press Release / Genet News
