NAS: Reg. System Needs More Organization Over GE Crops

NAS: Reg. System Needs More Organization Over GE Crops

WASHINGTON--Although pest-protected crops can reduce farmers' use of chemicals, thereis "a potential for undesirable effects," according to a study by the NationalResearch Council, an arm of the National Academy of Sciences. The council concluded thatthe United States regulatory system is working well in reviewing and monitoringgenetically engineered crops to ensure that plants made toxic to pests won't prove harmfulto human health or the environment. However, the system could be improved and bettercoordinated, said Perry Adkisson, a former Texas A&M University chancellor who chairedthe panel of scientists.

The council added that there is no evidence that biotech food currently on the marketis unsafe, but better methods are necessary to identify potential allergens inpest-protected plants. Visit www.national-academies.orgfor information.