A moratorium on releasing genetically-engineered organisms

Many scientists are increasingly questioning the scientific validity of the basic premises of the paradigm underpinning genetic engineering.

Of particular concern is that genetically-engineered organisms (GEOs) that have been deliberately released or have escaped from containment cannot be recalled if later found to have adverse effects. Some may migrate, further mutate and multiply in an uncontrollable manner, with unpredictable and potentially harmful effects.

The deaths of dozens of people and crippling of hundreds more in North America in 1989 after consuming a batch of L-tryptophan produced using genetically engineered bacteria is an example of an unpredicted health problem from foods produced through genetic engineering.

Governments and relevant intergovernmental agencies should seriously and urgently consider the needs and mechanisms for a moratorium on the commercial release of genetically engineered organisms into the environment in order to create the necessary space for a proper discourse on environmental, health and social impact assessments, risk containment, testing and monitoring procedures.

Governments should urgently set up national registers of research projects and other activities involving genetic engineering (including past and present releases) and establish monitoring systems as part of standard safety measures.

A global inventory of GEO releases should be established and the information made available to all countries.

An international early warning system for any adverse outcomes for GEOs should also be established.

Further information from: The Third World Network, 228 Macalister Road, 10400 Penang, Malaysia (tel. 60 4 366159; fax. 60 4 364505; e-mail: <twn@igc.apc.org>).