The Real and Perceived Risks of Genetically Modified Organisms – With a View on Changing Policy Following Brexit
III. FINDINGS To guide our exploration of potential policy changes, we have consulted the relevant scientific literature and reports and investigated the legal situation. Here, we present in turn our findings with respect to: (III.I.i-ii.) The actual and perceived risks of GMOs and (III.III-III.IV.) The legal framework currently in place under EU rules converted to domestic UK law, its problems and potential trade implications of changes.
III.I. DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS ON THE HEALTH OF HUMANS AND THE ENVIRONMENT i.
Human Health
A fundamental requirement for the promotion of any form of GMO is their safety and the absence of any ill effect on human health. There is a wide scientific consensus that GMOs do not inherently impact human health and may, in some cases, be beneficial by reducing pesticide use and improving nutrition. A major review based on over 900 scientific studies, by The National Academy of Science,71 one of science’s most prominent bodies, and support by other organisations, including the Royal Society72 and the WHO73, yield credence to this statement. Contrary to this scientific consensus, claims about ill health effects of GMOs are debated publicly. We will discuss these claims in detail in the below section on Toxicity but did not ultimately find any convincing evidence to support them. These claims may, instead, be indicative of a wider anti-scientific sentiment in parts of the public, also reflected in climate change denialism and anti-vaccination sentiments. GMOs currently cultivated appear no more likely to be harmful than traditionally bred and grown food sources.74 Despite this, it cannot be ruled out that the insertion of a new gene could not cause such effects. Thus, we support to the continued testing of crops where a new,
National Academy of Sciences, Genetically Engineered Crops (National Academies Press 2016). The Royal Society, ‘Genetically Modified (GM) Plants: Questions and Answers’ (2016) <https://royalsociety.org/topics-policy/projects/gm-plants/> accessed 17 February 2021. 73 World Health Organisation (n 38). 74 National Academy of Sciences (n 77). 71 72
The Wilberforce Society Cambridge, UK
www.thewilberforcesociety.co.uk
16
March 2021
