Doctors' group calls for moratorium on genetically modified foods

Map of nations with laws concerning labeling of GM foods (note: the US is not one of those with such laws)

In a press release issued on May 19, the American Academy of Environmental Medicine released a position paper calling for a moratorium on genetically modified foods. These foods--primarily corn, soy, canola and cotton, most of which are used in production of oils and animal feed--are linked, they claim, to mutagenic and other undesirable effects in not only the plants themselves but in those consuming them. Citing a lack of long term study of the modified plants (often referred to as GMO, or genetically modified organisms), the doctors of this organization want the food and agricultural industries to further study the impact of genetic engineering on the internal organs, reproduction, and disease resistance of animals fed such foods.

Another matter of concern in regard to GMO is the aspect of farmers' rights to use seed from their crops. In many third world nations agriculture depends on this practice. When crops are the result of genetically engineered seeds, however, the company issuing the seeds has control over them as an intellectual property. They ensure the seeds are sterile, thus necessitating the purchase by farmers of more seed annually. This defeats the purpose hoped for by those who believe GMO crops will help feed hungry nations. In fact it further impoverishes farmers who simply cannot afford to keep buying seed every year. In an article on food safety by the World Health Organization--"20 Questions on Genetically Modified (GM) Foods"-- this concept was part of twenty questions that arise from the practice of genetically altering food crop seeds:
Q17. Are there implications for the rights of farmers to own their crops?
Yes, intellectual property rights are likely to be an element in the debate on GM foods, with an impact on the rights of farmers. Intellectual property rights (IPRs), especially patenting obligations of the TRIPS Agreement (an agreement under the World Trade Organization concerning trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights) have been discussed in the light of their consequences on the further availability of a diversity of crops. In the context of the related subject of the use of gene technology in medicine, WHO has reviewed the conflict between IPRs and an equal access to genetic resources and the sharing of benefits. The review has considered potential problems of monopolization and doubts about new patent regulations in the field of genetic sequences in human medicine. Such considerations are likely to also affect the debate on GM foods.
Hopefully this suggested moratorium will get attention from the government, particularly the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Agriculture. Before the food industry goes any further with genetic alteration, there are a lot of issues that need to be settled to the satisfaction of both the farmers and consumers.

For the entire position paper by the AAEM, see:
http://aaemonline.org./gmopost.html (paper)

For the WHO article, "20 Questions on Genetically Modified (GM) Foods", see:www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/biotech/20questions/en/index.html