GM plants found in conventional UK crop
Genetically modified oilseed rape has been found in Somerset fields in the UK where trials of non-modified crops were being carried out.
A Defra investigation shows that the unapproved seed was accidentally sewn in
the field, rather than there being any suggestion of cross-fertilisation between
GM and non-GM plants.
The type of GM seed is approved for animal feed in
the EU, but not for cultivation.
The seed harvested from this trial, and
an adjacent trial of spring oil seed rape, has been identified and is now being
securely stored while the GM Inspectorate continues its
investigation.
None of the seed has been transported onwards to other
destinations and the investigation has confirmed no other oilseed rape crops
were grown in the vicinity at the time of the trial.
Exhibition on GM
foods
The announcement coincides with the launch of an exhibition at
London’s Science Museum on genetically modified foods which seeks to separate
the wheat from the chaff when it comes to information on the controversial
crops.
The exhibition, Future Foods, attempts to present a balanced
picture, getting away from the Frankenstein foods and saviour-of -the
-world’s-hungry hype, explaining what genetic modification is as well as
outlining benefits and risks and hopes and fears.
It asks visitors where
they stand in today’s GM debate by presenting them with the latest scientific
evidence. The exhibition will run until June.
