If you are unfamiliar with this subject, click here first for a brief introduction.

Click here for more articles

Suzuki Issues Warning

Geneticist Dr. David Suzuki said on Sunday that Canadians have become unwitting guinea pigs in a countrywide study on the effcts of genetically modified foods.

"We are performing a massive experiment. The results will only be known after millions of people have been exposed to (these foods) for decades."
"Any politician or scientist who tells you these products are safe is either very stupid or lying. The experiments have simply not been done. "The hazards of (these foods) are uncertain. In view of our enormous ignorance, the premature application of biotechnology is downright dangerous." At issue, he said are fundamental laws of genetics. Those rules are based on "vertical inheritance." With genetically modified foods, scientists are assuming that when they transfer genes to different species horizontally, the behaviour of those genes will be the same as when they follow them vertically.

"it is simply bad science to make that assumption," Suzuki said. "You have changed the context within which this new gene finds itself.

Therefore, what the behaviour of the new gene will be, we simply cannot say." Suzuki called for a moratorium on genetically modified foods until more is known about the long-term health effects. In the meantime, he wants Canadians to demand mandatory labelling for altered foods.

"I am astounded at the reluctance of the Canadian public to show its outrage at what we're doing to our air, water and food. What we are acquiring is the brute technological power to bludgeon nature.

"Each new insight reminds us of how ignorant we remain. We need a bit more perspective."

Home / Overview / News Cuttings / Other Related Articles  / Contact