Journal or Publishing Institution: Eco-risk
Author(s): Müller, W.
Article Type: Report
Record ID: 1692
Abstract: All approved genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are regarded as safe for daily human consumption. On the other hand, reports on possible hazards of GMOs have been circulated through various media. This study reviews the scientific literature on the health hazards of the Roundup Ready soybean and Bt-Maize crops. The toxicological assessment of the application for authorisation of Roundup Ready soybean was analyzed.
In the case of Bt-maize a thorough investigation of the application for authorisation has recently been carried out, by an Austrian research group, and is therefore not included in this study. However, some of the latest food conversion studies of Bt-maize has been investigated. The data shows that valid information on the chronic toxicity potential of Roundup Ready soybeans and Btmaize varieties is still missing. The main focus in the risk assessment of GMOs is based on the principle of substantial equivalence. This principle is an unproven hypothesis which infers human health hazards (including chronic hazards) from a comparison of ingredients between the genetically modified variety and the conventional counterpart. If no differences are detected the GMO is regarded as safe on the basis of this unproven hypothesis. In general, there is no consistency in the methods and the interpretations when substantial equivalence is claimed. Independent and long term research with rats, which has been undertaken after the approval of the Roundup Ready soybean and studies with Bt-maize varieties, shows that potential hazards may have been overlooked due to insufficient and short term test methods before the approval process. Several reports on the human health hazards of Roundup Ready soybeans, such as a rise of allergies, have been investigated. No published scientific study has been found, that supports or rejects this “anecdotal evidence”.
It is suggested that the risk assessment of GMO should be based on regular chronic toxicity testing, using the whole plant. Furthermore, an immediate re-evaluation of already approved GMOs is highly recommended. Independent risk research is needed in order to address these safety questions, which are currently not addressed during the authorisation process of GMOs.
Keywords: Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), Roundup Ready soybean, Bt-Maize crops
Citation: Müller, W., 2004. Recherche und Analyse bezuglich humantoxikologischer Risiken von gentechnisch veränderten Soja-und Maispflanzen. Eco-risk (Buro fur Ökologische Risikoforschung), Vienna, April 10.
