UK: British government scientists have concluded there is no scientific case for ruling out all genetically modified (GM) crops and their products.
However, a report from the GM Science Review Panel yesterday, based on the latest research on the subject, did not give GM crops and foods blanket approval.
The findings, following an inquiry chaired by the government's chief scientific adviser, Sir David King, emphasised that GM was not a single homogenous technology and its applications needed to be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The panel stressed the importance of GM regulation keeping pace with new developments but said that, worldwide, there had been no verifiable ill-effects reported from the extensive consumption of products from GM crops over seven years by humans and livestock.
But the report was criticised by green lobby groups, and former environment minister Michael Meacher described it as a "public scandal".
He warned that GM food could have "very serious" consequences for health and that the tests were not rigorous enough.
The document concluded that, on balance, the risks to human health from GM crops currently on the market were very low. But, depending on the crops developed, there could be risks in the future.
The report said it was important to continue to develop safety-assessment technologies, effective surveillance, monitoring and labelling systems.
The panel also found that, for the current generation of GM crops, the most important issue was their potential effect on farmland and wildlife.
This was currently being investigated with farm-scale evaluations of the impact of herbicide-tolerant crops on the environment. The results of these trials are expected in the autumn.
Sir David King said: "GM is a subject of intense debate and attracts a wide range of views ... The GM Science Review (published yesterday) has been unique in the way it has considered in detail the interests and concerns of the public and experts alike.
"The panel is inviting comments on its report over the summer. We particularly want to hear from members of the public."
But Mr Meacher urged the government to adopt the "precautionary principle" and not rush into the commercialisation of GM crops. The lack of comprehensive health tests on humans in the review was a "public scandal" as GM food could have "very serious consequences" on health, he said.
Mr Meacher told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "They say that they have found no evidence that eating GM food causes a health risk, but what I think is a public scandal is that no one has actually looked for the evidence - it is just assumed."
Scientists should collate clinical evidence of the long-term safety of eating GM food, he added.
Ms Monique Warnock, campaign team leader at the Consumers' Association said: "Today's findings are not a clean bill of health for GM.
"While the report says risks to human health of existing GM crops is low, it highlights that risks remain for future products.
"We hope the government will act on this warning and develop safety-assessment technologies, effective surveillance, monitoring and labelling as the Science Review Panel has recommended."
Friends of the Earth's GM campaigner Mr Pete Riley said: "Far from giving GM the green light, this report admits that there are gaps in our scientific knowledge and significant uncertainties about the long-term impacts of GM food and crops on our health and environment.
"The Government's GM review has already revealed that there is no market for GM food because people don't want to eat it," he continued. "The Government must listen to the public and put safety first by refusing to allow GM crops to be commercially grown in the UK."