GMOs need world watchdog

1 March 2000



‘GMOs need world watchdog’

A NEW international body is required to oversee genetic engineering, the Prime Ministers chief scientific advisor, has told a conference on genetically modified food. .

This would have the role of ensuring developments benefited the public as well as business, Professor Sir Robert May told the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development conference in Edinburgh.

Sir Robert said the body was needed because the public would want to benefit from developments such as an allergy-free peanut, reports the Daily Telegraph.

But he did share concerns of protesters over food safety, transference of allergins and the possible creation of “super weeds”.

The proposal may be considered when the G8 group of nations meet in July.

• Follow the conference at
  www.oecd.org/edinburgh

• The Daily Telegraph 01/03/2000 page 10
• The Times 01/03/2000 page 2
• The Guardian 01/03/2000 page 6