As shown in a new Testbiotech backgrounder, large-scale cultivation of the transgenic plants can result in risks to health and agro-ecosystems, none of which have ever been assessed in detail, including various combinatorial effects. Moreover, the transgene may spread into the environment via gene flow to teosinte, a wild relative of maize. In addition experts put in question if the transgenic plants provide any benefits to the farmers.
The Testbiotech analysis shows that all the above-mentioned companies are intentionally breaching EU regulations; for several years, they concealed the fact that teosinte plants had appeared in Spanish maize fields. Teosinte can produce hybrids with genetically engineered maize that are able to persist in the environment. However, despite the companies being aware of the problem, they failed to provide any data on potential gene transfer that would be necessary for carrying out risk assessment.
“The companies have an obligation to provide data to conclude on the likelihood of the occurrence of transgenic teosinte plants and any resulting potential hazards for farmers and the environment. Without reliable data, the risks cannot be assessed and the cultivation of genetically engineered maize has to be prohibited,” says Christoph Then for Testbiotech.
What are the consequences of genetic engineering for humans and the environment? From a critical point of view, Testbiotech provides information and scientific expertise on the risks associated with these technologies, that is completely independent of the biotech industry.
