|
July 24, 2009
Source:
GMO Compass
The
current provisional ban on the cultivation of genetically
modified maize MON810 in Germany is regarded by the
Central Commission for Biological safety (ZKBS) as being
"not scientifically grounded". The Brains Trust responsible
under the law for Gene Technology for this area has again
considered the environmental safety of MON810 maize.
The ZKBS
has, in particular, been analysing the six new scientific
studies on which the provisional ban on cultivation of MON810
maize, imposed by the German Agricultural Minister Ilse Aigner,
is based. These studies investigated "the until now little
considered, but not completely excludable effects on the
environment". This concerned the possible detrimental effects of
the MON810-produced Bt protein on caddis flies, water fleas,
certain snails or the larvae of two-spot ladybirds.
After scrutinising these studies, the ZKBS has come to the
conclusion that "after consideration of all the available
scientific information, and according to the precautionary
principle, the cultivation of MON810 does not present any risk
for the environment."
IIn the
Opinion passed on 7 July, the experimental protocols and results
of the six studies are presented and critically examined to
determine whether they yield evidence for any not-yet-considered
risks. The ZKBS could not detect any such evidence in any of the
cases. For some of the studies, the ZKBS pointed out
"shortcomings in the experimental set-up" or "marginal
scientific quality'. The ZKBS were not asked in the decision to
ban the cultivation of MON810 maize.
The ZKBS
was institutionalised as the scientific Brains Trust for all
safety matters concerning gene technology with the first Gene
technology laws in 1990.The Commission comprises 12 experts in
the field of microbiology, cell biology, virology, genetics,
plant breeding, hygiene, ecology, toxicology, and safety
engineering, and 8 experts from the trade union, occupational
safety, economy, agriculture, environmental protection, nature
conservancy, consumer protection, and research promotion
organisations. The members are appointed by the German Ministry
for Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection. The current
chairman of the ZKBS is the virologist Prof. Herbert Pfister
(Cologne).
Further information:
|
|
