Nervousness spread when news hit that one seed company’s rapeseed that was cross-pollinated by plants with a genetic modification was unintentionally spread in Europe. In Sweden, it is believed that less than one percent of the seeds planted contained the genetic trait, but the Board of Agriculture proposed destroying the crops. Though the plants pose no risks, the Board insists that government permission should have been granted before the seeds were planted. In France, the environment minister and the agriculture minister disagreed over whether the plants should be destroyed. Britain’s government decided not to destroy the plants.

Scientists say that fears were exaggerated. Rapeseed is used for canola oil. Processed oil does not contain DNA and there is no difference between the oil of non modified and modified plants. The pressed seeds are used as animal feed and digestion breaks down DNA. Also, the trait in the altered plants, herbicide resistance, can hardly be transferred to animals.

REFERENCE:

“Anxiety Spreads On Genetically Altered Seed In Europe”, New York Times. Donald G. McNeil, Jr., 20 May 2000