GM crops are unique and very different as a gene construct (coated with a virus to assist in invasion and an antibiotic marker gene to assist in identification) is blasted in to the plant DNA in the hope that it might stick. This process is unperfected and imprecise and only about 1 in 1million attempts are successful.

Scientists are asking:

What impact is there on other genes & their associations. For example, will it cause bent genes (1 bent gene in the human DNA causes Downs syndrome), what influence is there on other plant associations, will this invasion cause a release of allergens or toxins.

Is the location important? What is the effect of the viral promoter, is it possible to mutate? Why use an antibiotic resistant marker if it causes antibiotic resistance? Will cross kingdom breeding facilitate crossing of diseases not found in humans? Why are scientists working in this field continually finding unforseen results?

Evidence expected:

Our regulatory process does NOT address concerns. For example: Roundup Ready canola •Monsanto submits their own testing data to FSANZ, the oil (the part human consumers use) is not tested, the meal is only tested for a few weeks for impact on stock and many tests do not use GM but their equivalents. Roundup Ready was approved despite the findings that there was an increase of 12-16% in liver weights.

There will continue to be consumer and market resistance until adequate independent testing is undertaken by scientists consumers trust (eg. Arpad Puztai).

Unlike other products, a GM crop is NOT recallable. It is not unreasonable to insist on thorough testing BEFORE permanently contaminating the worlds food supply.