§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
As regards genetically modified plants and food, whether there is evidence that antibiotic genes in modified plants could increase antibiotic resistance in humans; and [HL3577]
As regards genetically modified plants and food, whether there is evidence that consumers of genetically modified foods are suffering increased allergies, especially through eating soya products; and [HL3578]
How they assess the views of the Royal Society on the potential dangers of genetically modified foods in baby foods and to pregnant and breast-feeding mothers, elderly people and those with chronic diseases; and what are the risks of genetically modified DNA transferring itself to bacteria in the human gut, with adverse consequences for metabolism, organ development, and the immune and endocrine systems. [HL3579]
§ Lord WarnerAll genetically modified foods approved for sale in the United Kingdom have undergone a rigorous pre-market safety assessment by independent scientific advisers. This is carried out on a case-by-case basis and takes into account the implications for certain sectors of the population, such as those groups mentioned above. These foods would not be approved if the safety tests raised concerns.
Scientific evidence does not support the view that the antibiotic resistance genes in modified plants could increase antibiotic resistance in humans.
154WAThere is no evidence that the consumption of genetically modified food has caused an increase in allegenicity.
The available evidence does not indicate that GM DNA transfer to gut bacteria has adverse consequences for metabolism, organ development. and the immune and endocrine systems. DNA is consumed as part of our normal diet.