Assessment & Impacts

Principles and Approaches Genetic interactions in ecosystems are more dynamic and complex than acknowledged so far. Genetic change and genetic exchange phenomena seem to occur more frequently in nature than in laboratories, and may be regulated by unknown environmental factors. Local environmental conditions and chemical contaminants (pesticides and other xenobiotics), that will undoubtedly vary in concentrations and combinations between different locations are examples of such environmental factors. These may have impacts on the extent of horizontal gene transfer, and on how modified genes are expressed and affect the recipient organisms. Consequently, it is important to establish model systems in the laboratory, which mimic the ecological interactions and complexity of the real world.

Basis for risk assessment and management:
Risk and probability are not the same. Risk can be defined as the probability of an occurrence of an incident or phenomenon, multiplied by the consequences arising therefrom, if it occurs. At this moment we know little about both probability and consequences in relation to putative health and environmental effects of many genetic engineering applications.

Horizontal gene transfer: Horizontal gene transfer signifies a non-sexual transmission of genetic information within or between species. The phenomenon is common in nature, but our knowledge concerning ecological processes promoting such events and barriers prohibiting them is scanty.

Socio-economic considerations: The impact of genetically modified organisms goes beyond ecological and health dimensions. They have profound impact on society, including livelihoods, production systems, trade, culture and ethics.

A long-term study on female mice fed on a genetically modified soybean: effects on liver ageing

This study demonstrates that GM soybean intake can influence some liver features during ageing. […]

Health Risks of Genetically Modified Foods – A Review

A review of the results of toxicity studies on GM foods that are available in the literature and the significance of these findings on human and animal health. […]

Potential human health risks from Bt plants

This paper summaries key findings of studies which raises questions about the human health safety of Bt plants. […]

Effects on Health and Environment of Bt Brinjal

Analysis by Prof Gilles-Eric Seralini of CRIIGEN on Mahyco’s data on Bt brinjal in India which raises serious questions about the methodologies used and the health and environment safety of the crop. […]

Land of the GM-free?

Is America starting to turn against GM food? […]

Non-GM Crops Dominate in World Agriculture

This briefing sets out in detail the amount of land growing GM crops around the world following recent exaggerated claims regarding the extent of GM cultivation. […]

GM Contamination Register Report 2007

This is the third annual report from the online GM Contamination Register, which reviews reported cases of contamination and illegal plantings and releases of GM (genetically modified) organisms. […]

Who Benefits from GM Crops – The Rise in Pesticides Use

This report shows that growing of GM crops has increased the use of harmful pesticides in major biotech crop producing countries. […]

Who Benefits from GM Crops – The Rise in Pesticides Use (Executive Summary)

This report shows that growing of GM crops has increased the use of harmful pesticides in major biotech crop producing countries. […]

Latin America: The Downside of the GM Revolution

As GMO cultivation takes over vast tracts in South America, grassroots resistance to biotech crops has also grown. This report details the environmental and social consequences of GMOs in the region. […]