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US Academy of Sciences says transgenic food is safe
Transgenics are safe for human, animal and for the environment. This is the conclusion of a new study published on Tuesday (17) by the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine of the United States. The institution brings together prestigious scientists and, since 1863, serves as an advisor to the decisions of the US government. To compose the report, the committee of researchers examined more than a thousand academic publications on genetically modified organisms (GMOs), heard more than 80 demonstrations in public hearings and seminars, and analyzed more than 700 comments submitted by the population. The report says experts have found no differences that point to a higher risk of transgenic foods when compared to conventional varieties.
According to the executive director of the Biotechnology Information Council (CIB) and Ph.D in Biological Sciences, Adriana Brondani, the survey confirms what decades of analysis and field experience have already shown. "Over the course of 20 years of transgenic adoption in the world, when these products have been rigorously tested, agricultural biotechnology has brought agronomic benefits and demonstrated potential to result in other gains for society."
In addition to food and feed safety, the report examines the implications of the consumption of GMOs for health. The paper claims that there is no evidence that transgenics cause obesity, diabetes, kidney disease, celiac disease, allergies, autism or cancer. As far as the environment is concerned, the survey also reveals that no relationship was found between environmental problems and genetically modified (GM) crops.
This is the latest publication of the United States National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, which brings together several independent researchers. A previous study, conducted by the same institution and released in 2010, concluded that genetic engineering has brought benefits to the environment and to American farmers.
Source: US Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, May 17, 2016.