.
Australian
Chemical Trauma Alliance
While there may
eventually be some benefits from genetically modified (GM) crops, there are very
serious concerns about the commercial reasons driving the rush to recoup
research costs, responsible for early approvals of GM components for broad
inclusion in human food.
The long-term
consequences of GM changes in the food supply are simply not known.
Its unnerving to say the
least, that because the agricultural industry in the United States were the
first to embrace early GM crops, trade pressures have been bought to bare on
other countries to accept it, even though the majority of people elsewhere
prefer not to eat it.
Equally disconcerting
that the US is using pressure through the World Trade Organization to force
regulators in other countries to grant approvals.
Most GM crops are
developed by agricultural chemical industries, which have an appalling history
of past mistakes, which resulted in harm to human health. Unlike toxic
chemicals, the possibility of transmigration of genetic material from one
species to another could pose unstoppable consequences.
While the risks may be
considered small, the effect has at least the potential to be absolutely
devastating. Even to the point of permanently damaging the human species or
bringing about our extinction.
Cross-pollination occurs
in GM crop trials with non-GM crops. Eventually, all become contaminated with GM
components. Some ideas proposed in genetic engineering fields are truly
frightening. Mad scientist mentality clearly abounds.
With this in mind, how
can we ensure the ONLY safeguard of law protecting the right of the individual
citizens to choose to accept or reject GM food and to ensure non-GM food will
always be available?
Rex Warren
National President
Australian Chemical Trauma Alliance
E-mail:
Rex Warren
