Sweeping Generalizations About Safety of Genetically Modified Goods Not Fair

At the level scientists operate, there should not be controversy, and activists' sweeping generalizations, that everything scientists do is wrong, is not fair.

Genetically modified organisms (GMO) are widely used in scientific research and to produce goods other than food. Sweeping generalizations about safety of GMOs are "not fair", an eminent scientist said.

On the GM Mustard controversy, Dinakar M. Salunke, Director, International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), said plant research has experienced a "setback" because of such activity.

No Evidence That Genetically Modified Crops are Unsafe to Eat
There has been no evidence that genetically modified crops are unsafe to eat. But, researchers warned that pest and weed resistance could pose serious problems.

‘On the Genetically Modified (GM) Mustard controversy, Dinakar M. Salunke, and eminent scientist, said plant research has experienced a "setback" because of such activity.’

"They (activists) should not interfere in the fundamental research stage. At the level scientists operate, there should not be any controversy. Their (activists') sweeping generalizations, that everything you do is wrong, is not fair. One has to follow a scientific methodology," Salunke told IANS at the IISER-Kolkata campus here.

He was attending the 'Advances in Life Sciences' Conference, organized by IISER's Department of Biological Sciences, coinciding with the tenth anniversary of the institute.

Asserting that concerns regarding the GM crop controversy is being addressed, Salunke termed it "unfortunate."

Chipotle Removes All Food Containing Genetically Modified Ingredients from Its Menus
US fast food restaurant 'Chipotle' is the first major chain, that has stopped serving food with genetically modified organisms (GMO).

"You don't even know that in your daily diet so much you are taking. It is better that we officially allow this to happen rather than it coming in a clandestine way. One should not ignore possible side effects. One should always be alert," said the eminent immunologist.

Salunke said most scientists are willing to test their technologies because that is how science progresses.

The European Union Wants Europe Free Of Genetically Modified Crops
The international conference focused on the recently adopted directive, which allows EU countries to limit or prohibit the growing of genetically modified plants.

"No scientist will say it is 100% proven but activists will say that. They don't know what to ask. There has been a setback for plant research because of this activity. One should not make this issue as a factor to stop everything," he said, adding concerns raised by people should be addressed with proper dialogue.

ICGEB is part of the United Nations System. Established as a special project of UNIDO, it became fully autonomous in 1994 and now counts over 60 member states. It conducts innovative research in life sciences for the benefit of developing countries.

GM Crops Cannot be Completely Abandoned by India: Jaipal Reddy
Minister Jaipal Reddy announced on Wednesday that India cannot afford to completely abandon GM crops and that the government is trying to reach at a solution soon.

Salunke said therapeutics for malaria, enzymes for biofuel generation, biotic or abiotic stress in rice and other plants are some of the areas that have the potential for industry collaborations in the future.

Indian pharmaceutical giant Sun Pharma recently partnered with the central government to develop a dengue vaccine that would be safe, effective and affordable.

Source-IANS