Genetically modified plants and human health risks: Can additional research reduce uncertainties and increase public confidence?
So long as the risks to human health from transgenic plants remain potential rather than actual, and, in any event, appear lower than those from traditional plant breeding, hazard assessment need not be extensive. However, in view of current public attitudes to transgenic plants, it is necessary that those tests that are required, be based on logic, on sound science, and in accordance with the best scientific methodology. This is particularly the case with testing for food allergenicity. Current testing is largely indirect and based on comparisons with other known food allergens. Development of direct tests that involve interaction between the actual transgenic protein in question and the immune system is essential if confidence in the regulatory system is to be restored.
Hodgson
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Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Box 7633, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA. ernest_hodgson@ncsu.edu
D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D009152:Mutagenicity Tests; D010945:Plants, Edible / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000235:genetics*; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D011639:Public Opinion; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012926:Social Control, Formal; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical