Genetically modified (GM) crops were not a threat to the environment or human health and had significant consumer benefits, a University of Queensland scientist told a conference here on Wednesday.GM crops were now grown in 12 countries on a total area of 40 million hectares, twice the area of Britain, Dr Jimmy Botella told the Australian Biotechnology Association 2000 conference.Threats of environmental disaster had not materialised, he said."Self-proclaimed ecologist groups proclaim that there is a possibility of long-term unforeseen consequences for human health but the fact remains that after 13 years of consuming GM food there hasn't been as much as a skin rash caused by this kind of food," Botella said.Data from large-scale commercial fields of GM plants clearly showed that there had been a dramatic decrease in the use of insecticides, herbicides and "other nasty chemicals", he said.Botella is the director of the University of Queensland's Plant Genetic Engineering Laboratory, which employs 20 scientists working on diverse aspects of plant biology and biotechnology.Its main interest is the improvement of fruits and vegetables including papaya, mango and broccoli by genetic engineering, the university said in a statement.Almost all plant varieties produced during the last centuries were the result of artificial genetic recombination, he said.
AUSTRALIA: GM crops safe, offer consumer benefits - scientist
Get full access to all content, just $1 for 30 days

just-food gives you the widest food market coverage.
But only paid just-food members have full, unlimited access to all our exclusive content - including 21 years of archives.
Try just-food for 30 days and get the research report; ‘Is sugar the next tobacco’ for free!
Dean Best, editor of just-food
Do you get our newsletters? If yes, log in to your account to access your FREE READS. Don't know your password? That's cool - you can reset it here.
Most Popular
Insights
- The UK snack-bar market during Covid-19
- Will Danone 2021 predictions placate critics?
- China becomes Nestle's problem child
- Where is UK snack-bar market headed?
- Can plant-based cheese come of age?
News
- Danone makes change at top amid investor pressure
- US investment firm Artisan renews Danone attack
- Danone moves to sell stake in Chinese dairy firm
- Maple Leaf takes action on plant-based brands
- Beyond Meat hails fast-food deals but shares fall
Market research
- Meal Kits (Prepared Meals) Market in the United Kingdom - Outlook to 2023: Market Size, Growth and Forecast Analytics
- Bangladesh In-depth PEST Insights
- Condiment Sauces (Seasonings, Dressings & Sauces) Market in Germany - Outlook to 2023: Market Size, Growth and Forecast Analytics
- Soups in the United States
- Greece In-depth PESTLE Insights
Oops! This article is copy protected.
Why can’t I copy the text on this page?
The ability to copy articles is specially reserved for people who are part of a group membership.
How do I become a group member?
To find out how you and your team can copy and share articles and save money as part of a group membership call Sean Clinton on
+44 (0)1527 573 736 or complete this form..
