testbiotech |

Bilder

NGT plants: EFSA overlooked most powerful and risky applications

Testbiotech warns EU Commission and Parliament of severe consequences

17 April 2024 / The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has overlooked extremely powerful and risky applications of new genetic engineering (NGTs) on plants. This is particularly worrying as EFSA is responsible for correctly informing the EU institutions about the risks associated with NGT plants. If their reports are not correct or misguiding, it can have consequences for legislation and the future safety of health and the environment.

Field trials with plants obtained from new genetic engineering

First experimental release of NGT rice planned in Italy

15 April 2024 / A first European field trial with NGT rice is supposed to be started in Italy this year. The plants are supposedly resistant to the rice blast fungus Pyricularia oryzae, which can lead to crop failure. Some other European countries such as Belgium, the UK, Sweden and Switzerland are also planning to release NGT plants, or are already doing so.

Belgian expert commission presents misleading report on NGT plants

Reasoning for deregulation without substance

26 March 2024 / Most experts from EU member states are likely to find the latest report from the Belgian Superior Health Council (SHC) not very helpful. Apparently, the report was published to support the Belgian Council Presidency and the EU Commission in their efforts to deregulate plants obtained by new genetic engineering (NGT). However, the content is disappointing and partly misleading.

Turning point in the debate on NGT plants

Report by French authority emphasises need for risk assessment

7 March 2024 / A recently published report by the French Agency for Environmental Protection and Food Safety (ANSES) emphasises the need for mandatory risk assessment of plants derived from new genetic engineering (New GE or NGT). The authority demands that both intended and unintended genetic modifications must be taken into account. ANSES shows that the properties of NGT plants cannot be equated with those from conventional breeding.