Brazilian Scientist Speaks Out on GMO Crops and Foods
Luciana Di Ciero expresses confidence in biotech testing and food safety.
St. Louis, MO (PRWEB) September 5, 2006 -- Genetically modified (GM) crops are among the most studied and reviewed food crops in the world. Using well established, internationally accepted standards of risk assessment, regulatory authorities worldwide have reviewed the safety of all GMO crops and foods now on the market and determined that they pose no more risk than those produced through traditional breeding methods.
“As a scientist working with biotechnology, I know the scientific side – all the advantages and possibilities. As a mother, I can say that I feel very safe with biotechnology,” says Dr. Luciana Di Ciero , a scientific researcher in the Forest Genetic Research and Biotechnology Laboratory at ESALQ, University of São Paulo in Piracicaba, Brazil.
Before a biotech product is submitted to regulatory agencies for review and commercial approval, scientists spend years testing and analyzing the efficacy and safety of the potential product.
“Biotech products are tested from the beginning in the lab – from the moment the gene is isolated,” says Dr. Di CIero, who is working on plants that can defend themselves against environmental stresses such as insects, plagues and disease. “Then, the gene is transferred to the plant, and the plant is analyzed to see if the gene expresses properly – if the protein we wanted to express is working – and if they are safe for human health and the environment.
“After that, this plant goes to a greenhouse where it is analyzed agronomically. Then these plants go to the field – small experimental areas both for agronomic analysis and environmental analysis,” continues Dr. Di Ciero. “If the plant will be used as food, all tests for allergies and toxicity are done. And only when we’re sure that a product will not cause any problems can it go to the market. The testing is much stricter than for conventional foods.”
A proven 10-year history of safe use supports the conclusion that the regulatory process has been successful. Experts estimate more than 1 trillion meals containing GMO foods have been consumed with no reliable documentation of any food safety issues for people or animals.
“Nothing has zero risk,” says Dr. Di Ciero. “So the risk lies in not using biotechnology, in not utilizing the benefits for both the environment and society, in not using science to solve our problems of hunger, malnutrition, inhospitable areas where it’s difficult to farm.”
Numerous international organizations have endorsed the health, environmental and food safety of GMO foods and crops, including the Royal Society (UK), National Academy of Sciences (USA), the World Health Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the European Commission, the French Academy of Medicine, and the American Medical Association.
To learn more about biotechnology and to view Dr. Di Ciero’s exclusive video interview and podcast , visit Conversations about Plant Biotechnology Web site: http://www.monsanto.com/biotech-gmo/asp/default.asp.
Conversations about Plant Biotechnology is designed to give a voice and a face to the farmers and families who grow biotech crops and the experts who research and study the safety and benefits of genetically engineered food and crops. The Web site contains more than 40, two- to three-minute, extremely candid, straightforward and compelling video segments with the people who know the technology best. The Web site is hosted by Monsanto Company — a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality.
Contact:
Ranjana Smetacek
314-694-2642
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See the original story at: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/09/prweb433479.htm
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