Prince Charles’ Comments Against GM Crops, Unilever’s Ice Protein and Bees Discussed by AgBioWorld Members
Prince Charles of Wales Speaks out Against Genetic Modification
Abstract: Last week the UK’s Prince Charles of Wales loudly voiced his opinions about genetic modification, saying that GM crops are “the biggest disaster environmentally of all time.” Members of AgBioWorld discussed this topic at length, many expressing the need to react. Several also posted links to articles criticizing Prince Charles, one article going as far to say that it’s up to him and others against GM, to prove that the technology is unsafe.
Sources: The Telegraph (UK)
The Guardian (UK)
Nature blog
The Times (UK) – Background information
BBC News (UK)
The Telegraph (UK)
The Telegraph (UK)
EFSA Confirms Safety of Controversial GM Ice Protein
Abstract: A member posted a Food Navigator article announcing that the European Food Standards Authority (EFSA) published an opinion in favor of Unilever’s GM ice protein. The company genetically engineered yeast to include a protein found in cold water fish, vegetables, grains, lichens and bacteria called ice structuring protein (ISP). “Unilever found the qualities of ISPs could also provide textual benefits for low-fat ice cream, as well as providing pH stability in frozen products.”
Source: Food Navigator
Fleeing Famine, Bees Seek Asylum in Cities Discussed
Abstract: A member of AgBioWorld posted a question to the group about a new story from the Inter-Press Service on the affect genetically modified maize is having on bees in Germany. The poster asks about the claim that a crop can be approved for feed and not food. Also questioned is the GM threshold for feed-approved maize in food. Another member responds saying that the European Union does not allow a “split” of a crop between food and feed. Meaning if a genetically modified crop is approved it must be approved for both feed and food. He also notes that while the article claims that there is a .4 percent GM threshold for honey in Germany, the standard in the EU is .9 percent, much higher than what the article claims. Another member posts a blog entry on GMObelus about this article, suggesting members clarify the issue for the blogs readers.
Sources: Inter-Press Service (IPS)
GMObelus blog
