Genome editing in humans raises broader public debate
23 March 2015 / In a call published last week in the international magazines Science and Nature, researchers suggest a moratorium on research in human genome editing. They are warning that new technologies such as DNA-scissors (CRISPR/Cas9 and TALENs) make it easy for anyone with basic training to insert, remove, and edit genes in cells - including human sperm, eggs, and embryos. The purpose is not only to potentially cure genetic diseases but also to add other desired genetic information.
Ombudsman asked to investigate maladministration at the EU Commission
Thursday, 12 March 2015
Testbiotech has filed a complaint to the European Ombudsman against the EU Commission. It has submitted evidence of incorrect or inadequate statements regarding the declaration of interests of experts involved in the so-called GRACE project. The GRACE project was initiated to investigate methods for the risk assessment of genetically engineered plants. However, a recent GRACE publication on a feeding trial with rats makes no mention of relevant data indicating health impacts.
Civil society organisations and companies appeal against a decision made by the German authorities
9 March 2015 – The German Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) issued a decision on 5 February 2015, that so-called RTDS oilseed rape manipulated with short synthetic DNA sequences (oligonucleotids) through a technology developed by CIBUS is “not a method for genetic engineering within the definition of law”. The decision means that plants made resistant to herbicides with this technology can now be grown without any further risk assessment, registration or labelling. Several civil society organisations and companies have appealed against the decision.
Europe urged to stop authorisation of genetically engineered maize for cultivation
Thursday, 5 March 2015
The European Food Safety Authority has started an investigation into the safety of growing genetically engineered maize in Europe following the publication of the biggest study on maize pollen published to date. Friends of the Earth Europe and Testbiotech have called on the EU to immediately suspend the growing of GM maize and to stop all future approvals.
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