Concern over GM cancer link needs study

Serious concerns about the impact of both genetically engineered food and pesticides on health have been raised in recent research. This first published life-long study of health impacts of consumption of genetically engineered food and a specific pesticide raises serious issues. The study observed rats over a two-year period and clearly showed an increase in serious illness, namely cancers, renal and hepatic disease and serious disturbances in the endocrine system.

This research clearly demonstrates the complete inadequacy of current testing procedures; the first detectable tumours were detected at four and seven months in male and females respectively. The authors suggest that specific compounds in the genetically modified feed may be directly toxic themselves, or cause the inhibition of pathways that may generate chronic toxic effects. However, current testing procedures require that animals are examined after having consumed genetically engineered food for a 90-day period. Such testing, generally undertaken by the company producing the food, is completely incapable of detecting chronic adverse health effects, which may develop slowly.

The results of this study cannot be ignored; they demand that we thoroughly re-assess the regulatory systems in relation to both genetically engineered foods and the use of specific pesticides on food crops. Further independent long-term testing on the health and safety impacts of long-term consumption of such foods is urgently needed.

Dr Elizabeth Cullen and Stella Coffey

Thomastown Kilcullen

Co Kildare