Critical Review of Literature on Toxicology Studies

http://www.lobbywatch.org/archive2.asp?arcid=8661

THIRD WORLD NETWORK BIOSAFETY INFORMATION SERVICE

Dear Friends and colleagues,

RE: Critical Review of Literature on Toxicology Studies of GM Products

A recent review of the scientific literature concerning potential toxic effects/health risks of GM plants published in 'Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition' has noted that published toxicological studies are very scarce. The paper found that most investigations correspond to short-term studies, mainly nutritional studies, with very limited toxicological information, while long-term toxicological studies on the safety of transgenic plants for animal and human consumption are lacking. Long-term studies on a case-by-case basis showing that the GM plant/food are toxicologically safe are necessary, before any conclusions can be drawn on the safety of GM plants/food.

The author concludes: 'The main goal of the present paper has been to review critically the published scientific literature concerning potential toxic effects/health risks of GM plants. It has been noted that experimental data are very scarce. As shown throughout the paper, most investigations correspond to short-term studies, mainly nutritional studies, with very limited toxicological information (Filip et al., 2004). Where are long-term toxicological studies that should guarantee the safety of the transgenic plants for animal and human consumption? (Patel et al., 2005). Because of the importance that the consumption of GM foods has acquired, as well as its enormous potential in the near future, the performance of a complete case-by-case study seems would be advisable (Weil, 2005). Long-term studies are clearly necessary. This review can be concluded raising the following question: where is the scientific evidence showing that GM plants/food are toxicologically safe, as assumed by the biotechnology companies involved in commercial GM foods?'

With best wishes,
Third World Network
Malaysia
Email: twnet@po.jaring.my
Website: www.biosafety-info.net and www.twnside.org.sg