Research of Dr. Arpad Pusztai on Genetically-Manipulated Foods
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From: Biotech News, by Richard Wolfson, PhD
May 1999
(Instructions for Subscribing to Biotech News, one of the best
compilations of news and research available, can be found at:
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The controversy over genetically engineered food in Britain has taken on
epidemic proportions. For instance, the Observer (London) of February 14,
1999, reported: "It was supposed to be the food of tomorrow: a genetically
engineered ambrosia to feed Earth's hordes next century. But it has turned
into a political nightmare. Last week unprecedentedly ferocious criticism
fell upon the heads of those responsible for making genetically modified
(GM) foods in Britain - an onslaught so fierce it is hard to see how their
products can survive commercially."
Much of the controversy stems back to August 1998, when Dr. Arpad Pusztai,
a distinguished researcher at the Rowett Research Institute in Scotland,
announced that rats who were fed genetically engineered potatoes showed
serious health damage. Within 48 hours of his announcement, the Institute
said Dr. Pusztai was mistaken, suspended him in humiliation, and forced him
to retire.
More recently, at least 20 scientists (included toxicologists, genetic
engineers and medical experts) from 13 different countries re-examined his
work and reported his conclusions were justified. The data showed that rats
fed the GE potatoes for 10 days suffered serious damage to the immune
systems and various organs, including the kidney, stomach, spleen, and
brain.
The scientists are calling for a reinstatement of Dr. Pusztai as well as a
moratorium of genetically engineered crops until more research can be done
to determine their safety. The public and press, as well as Tories lead by
the leader of the Opposition William Hague, are also calling for a 5 year
moratorium.
Further research has linked the toxicity of the biotech potatoes to one of
the key components of the genetically engineered process, a promoter virus
that is used as a biochemical switch in many other genetically engineered
crops. More research is also being called for to pinpoint the exact cause
of the toxicity.
The discrediting of Dr. Pusztai has also been linked by the press to the
$230,000 USD grant that the Rowett Research Institute received from
Monsanto, the biotech giant.
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